Between Culture and Screens: Parenting, Digital Device Use, and Psychosocial Vulnerability among Generation Alpha in Rote Island

Using the photovoice methodology, this study explores the psychosocial implications of exposure to digital devices among Generation Alpha children in Rote Island, Indonesia. A qualitative design was employed with purposive sampling of parents of Rote ethnicity who documented parenting practices involving digital devices. Photographs and captions were collected and analysed thematically. The findings indicate that smartphones have become deeply embedded in daily routines, shaping children's psychological vulnerabilities and displacing traditional parenting values. While digital devices offer convenience for parents, they also introduce ambivalence, given concerns about dependence and cultural erosion. The study highlights the universality of digital risks while situating them within the specific cultural context of Rote Island. These insights underscore the need for interventions that combine digital literacy, cultural revitalisation, and psychosocial support for children in remote regions.