Daily Times

Sir: As technology becomes cheaper and more easily accessible with multiple applications, it gains exponential popularity across the world. Children have become among the main participants in the internet world. With a swipe or tap of their little fingers an entire world of online gaming becomes available to them. Today online games have become a hugely profitable industry that attracts expensive research and employs appealing marketing strategies. Playing such games has become the most sought after form of leisure activity for children. Gone are the days when children would indulge in outdoor activities, spending hours in parks and unconsciously incorporating physical exercise and social bonding in their lives. Today they much prefer to stay inside glued to their television or computer screens. Online gaming opportunities do have positive effects on children’s lives. It has been found that children attain sharper minds, proactive thinking and improved interpretive skills. But it would be wrong to ignore the negative impacts such online activities can bring about. Critics argue that it is a form of mindless entertainment that enhances social reclusiveness. These days the most popular games tend to be very violent and researchers believe that children playing such games are more likely to exercise diminished control over their emotions — especially anger — and have a lower attention span. They also increase aggressive thoughts, which could lead to aggressive behaviour.

It has to be understood that children living in Pakistan have to deal with a host of external factors. Children are reared in a highly competitive environment where they are only expected to excel in academics and anything less than excellence is just not acceptable. Amidst academic pressures they also grow up in a country where they are deprived of the safety to live peacefully, with few basic amenities such as gas and electricity, and with corrupt governments and an employment deficit. Therein lies the possibility that children become more vulnerable to the pleasure of unleashing their anger and frustration when playing violent games. It is therefore important that parents create a suitable and healthy environment for their children. They should create timetables where children are given the opportunity to work and play and ensure that they have a say in the creation of their timetables. Parents should also be mindful of the kinds of games children play online and be prepared to openly discuss the pros and cons of the games. Also, gaming rituals should be kept within reasonable time spans and greater emphasis should be given to physical and other healthy social activities.

MOBEEN SHAH

Via Email