2nd Article: Going online is not all fun and games.
Taken from The Straits Times, Sat, 23rd June 2007. Saturday Section Page S10.
Recently, there has been an increase in gaming addiction among youths. Especially youths who often bored because they're not heavily involved in extra co-cirrcular activities. This can be seen by the many counsellors who have seen and up rise in youths seeking help for gaming addiction. According to experts, this is a worrying trend because they worry of the potential harm these games may cause to the children.
One of the main worries about interactive games is, children may meet the wrong kinds of people. Being young at inexperienced, children may pick up undesirable habits or behaviour from them. The most common would be the learning of vulgarities and using them in their everyday context. Some parents might be surprised that their kids are using vulgarities at free will at such a young age. However not many know that in the dark, mysterious world of online gaming, these words are used so often, it has been universally accepted among gamers. Not surprisingly, kids will think its acceptable to use profound language in their daily lives, because gaming has already been rooted into their minds.
Another common worry is that, when kids become addicted to online gaming, their social life takes a major step back. They start to neglect their studies and avoid outdoor activities. Relationships with their loved ones will be greatly affected. This is because, these handful of kids only think about their cyber world and characters. Physically they may be present in school. But their mind is drifting off to their cyber world, thinking of ways to play the computer as soon as possible.
Many kids turn to online gaming not only because its fun to play with, but also because gamers will accept them for their ability not their outward appearance. Taunting and teasing in schools are common among kids. Some may be more sensitive to it, and feel like society does not accept them. Hence, they turn to online gaming, where nobody can see their outward appearance. These kids are not judged as how they might be in their daily lives. Thats another good reason why online gaming is so addictive and luring to our kids these days.
I do believe that online gaming is most appropriate for kids to play. However certain good gaming habits must be practised to ensure that its safe for kids to play with. Parents should place the computer at places where they can monitor their kids playing games. In this way, kids will know that they are under supervision, and will not play the games excessively. Another way is for parents to limit the playing time, and have a timetable set up. Homework, sports and aesthetics should be of utmost priority, which will limit the time spent infront of the screen. Gaming should never exceed more than 1 hour daily.
Let us work together to help kids and their gaming addiction.
:)
