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What is the purpose of the 24-hour LAN gaming shops? Shouldn't people, especially children and young adults, be sleeping at night and not playing games in a shop somewhere?
Computer addiction among kids and young adults is a known serious issue. But why are these shops allowed to operate 24x7? Why not let a gym, a swimming complex, or a wall climbing shop operate 24 hours instead?
I'm not against the business but there has to be social responsibility. But, NADA, ZILCH, ZOT. It's pure business - money, money, money! At the expense of our own children.
Kids also need "work life balance", and a few may not have the consoles at home. But, gaming overnight??? I can't imagine the damage it causes these poor gamers without them realizing it, as they get high while playing. I can't imagine the heart break it causes the parents, especially when gaming becomes an addiction and starts affecting their health, performance in school, family relationships, and overall behaviour. And these gamers are oblivious of these harsh realities and how their pursuit of personal enjoyment is causing deep distress to their loved ones who give them the money they spend to play.
Gamers indulge in saving their lives in games, without realizing there is only 1 in real life and that they are wasting it bar none!
There are strict rules on casinos and these are enforced effectively. These LAN gaming shops have rules, too, albeit flawed, such as:
RULE #1) No student in school uniform is allowed.
So wear something else and you will be let in even during school hours. Never mind the school pants, a T shirt will do. Seriously. That's a rule, an imbecilic one apparently. Kids are smart and they have been abusing this rule to satisfy their craving, leading to addiction, while their parents continue to trust that they are safe in school and the allowance they give is used for good food.
RULE #2) No one below 16 is allowed.
Really? I've been inside these shops as part of my research for a blog and I can swear that I've seen younger kids playing and yes, even at midnight. I can swear because I happen to know those kids.
No sleep at night, and here's the icing on the cake - apart from the exposure to non-stop violence and vulgarities in games, these gaming shops sell instant noodles, chips, softdrinks, and other easy to grab junk foods so the gamers can eat the unhealthiest foods without interrupting their gaming. Pardon my French that I've never used before, but WTF. Not only are they helping hone computer addicts, they are also poisoning them! And I'm not even sure if parents are cognizant of these to even start to fight a battle against what is clearly an enemy that is pulling our children to the wrong direction. There are so many of them, in case we are, again, incognizant of how big the enemy is. Google it and you will see a long list.
COMPUTER ADDICTION is like DRUG ADDICTION. The effects on the addicts are alarmingly similar. While one is invasive while the other isn't, both transmute the behaviour of the person. Notice how a gamer becomes highly irritable right after long hours of gaming. They disobey, disrespect, lie, and even steal money from their parents, who, again, give them money, to play. Both should be dealt with almost similarly. Unfortunately, preventive and corrective measures for gaming addiction are severely lacking. Parents seem to be alone in this battle.
But, parents alone can't solve this, especially with so many of these very accessible 24-hour gaming shops that directly threaten our children's future. The moment kids leave the house, the parents lose control. Children are on their own and who knows what kind of decisions they will make despite the bountiful advice they get at home, in school, and in Church. This is why there are rules so that they will be guided when to cross a busy street, where to pass, where they are or are not allowed (e.g. Singapore Pools), etc., because children can still make wrong decisions. Even adults do. If there are rules to prevent adults from irresponsible gambling (though I'm confused if there is such as a thing as responsible gaming), shouldn't there be rules to help prevent children from making wrong decisions leading to computer addiction?
Developing children doesn't only comprise academic excellence through continuous polishing of the educational system to increase its quality and standards. They also need to have easy access to self development and survival skills tools such as sports, camps, values and character development courses. Access to deterrent and addicting activities like LAN gaming and unhealthy foods must be restricted. Last, but not the least, they should be taught on real life problems (not just maths problems!) like global warming, terrorism, civil inequalities, injustice, hunger, among others, to increase awareness, involvement, and contribute to humanity in their own little ways. That's far better than a self-centered life of superficial joy deprived of values, but, profused with anger, violence, revenge, and disregard to the rule of law.
The future could be a world of DOOM, Mortal Kombat, CARMAGEDDON, Grand Theft Auto, entrusted to Soldiers of Fortune, GOD of WAR, GEARS of WAR, on a Thrill Kill in a MadWorld to win the Death Race. Mind you, even little kids kill or are killed brutally in a few of these games.
F1, SOS! Our children have 1 life left !
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