Video game addiction is dangerous for children

Computer has become more and more popular nowadays. In many families, children can possess their own computer. Therefore, video games and their effects are discussed a lot not only by parents and teachers but also by many scientists and psychologists. Smith (2003) states that television and other modern media surround children with violence. Video game is just a game like other television programs or cartoons. It could be violent or non-violent. Nevertheless, Walker (2001, pp. 116) contends that children will become more aggressive than others if they play more violent games. It is obviously that when they are addicted to a game, they will get angry when someone else tries to stop them or just remind them about their homework for the class tomorrow.

Although Smith (2003) believes that addiction to video games is similar to any other addictions, such as football, tennis or television, it is a very serious problem when many parents have to send their children to a training course to give up video games. They do not want to do anything but playing games. They forget to eat and sleep to spend the whole day on sitting in front of the screen of the computer. Some children have to go to the hospital because of being exhausted. In those cases, video game addiction is really dangerous for children.

References:

Davies, S. (2003). Computer games and personal development. Family forum. Retrieved October 20, 2008 from http://www.ff.org.

Smith, A. J. (2003). Synthesis. Retrieved October 20, 2008 from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The English Language Centre Web site: http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CILL/eap/synthesis.htm

Walker, A. (2001). Computer games and adolescent aggression. In N. Peters (Ed.), Research into the effects of computer games (pp. 108-124). London: St Martin’s Press.

What students do in Spring Break

Spring break is an activity which happens at universities and schools in many countries in the world, such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Korea, Japan, and China. Many students are so excited with vacations around our places as well as in other parts of the country and even the world during the break. However, others may not be so lucky when they have nothing out of the ordinary to do. Those who are in this case may feel that they are being set up for boredom. The following are some popular ways that I recorded for ALP and CSUF students to avoid spring break boredom, but make it impressive.

Discover a new place

There are many interesting places in this state that we have not visited yet. Spring break is a very good time for us to take part in a tour designed by a travel agency that we planned before or by ourselves. San Diego, Las Vegas and San Francisco are some of the most attractive destinations for ALP students’ Spring break.

Spend time with family

I stay in the University Village. On the second day of the Spring break, it surprised me when all apartments were so quiet, much more than usual. Here and there some students were late carrying bags, walking to their cars to come home after a long night they spent with their friends. This is the choice of many American students who stay far away from their home to study. Spring break is ideal to make time for the family because the students are not dealing with school and assignments. They have much time to hang out with their family members, play their favorite games or just relax and read an interesting book.

Review lessons and refresh ourselves

Spring break is not only for relaxing and traveling, but also for reviewing lessons and refreshing ourselves. It is a great time to complete assignments and make-up lessons that you have not finished during the time before Spring break. I came to the Pollak library some days during the break. The schoolyard was calm and peaceful with not so many people. The library seemed to have more spaces. I did not have to be in a hurry to use the computer checking email and looking up sources for assignments. I could take time to look around the room and I found someone watching online films or groups discussing their projects. Everyone seemed not to be in a hurry.

I hope you had an enjoyable and rejuvenating Spring break to sprint to the finish line this semester! :)