Living with no regrets: This computer game thing is getting out of hand! Parents take note please!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

This computer game thing is getting out of hand! Parents take note please!

Computers making Zombies out of this generation.

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Over the past week, there have been 2 reports (that I know about) in the newspaper in Singapore about kids losing their sanity due to excessive computer gaming. To the point where a doctor diagnoses it clinically as a mental problem. The guy was depressed from gaming (no supprise cos its all VIRTUAL!! you are gaining NOTHING in terms of meeting REAL human needs of ANY kind)

"oh well it happens".. yes... but as usual the reported cases are only the tip of the iceberg. In my work we see MANY kids and families who are breaking down and becoming totally dis-functional because of gaming.

Skip school
Total communication breakdown btw child/parent
Socal skill in real life = 0.00
violent/emotional when computer is taken away
Withdrawal symptoms
All around lifeless and souless expressions on their faces

This is sad. And this trend is accelerating (if the phonecalls for help, and the issues that educators and councilors raise to us are any indication)

As ususal it starts young. Parents please addict your children to REAL LIFE activities! The gameboy is NOT the way to make your kids busy so you can go for a facial and spa! Do things the old fashioed way. Play with your kids. This is SO important. You want great kids, make the sacrifice. Its not about $$$ and special education classes. Its about YOU! Thats how you make them great! Don't leave it to maids, don't leave it to teachers...

I feel I handle stress well and grow up well (not perfect of coruse) but pretty well rounded because my mother played alot of interesting things with me when I was young. Playdough, finger painting all over the toilet wall with colored starch, sand, all kinds of running around and playground activity. And guess what... Mom was RIGHT!!! (of course she is...whats new... read her blog, she is right there as well...)

Doctors today say that: "Unstructured play makes kids smarter, stronger and happier, the American Academy of Pediatrics says in a report to be released today at the organization's annual meeting at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta."

NO SUPRISE!!