A GROUP of parents wrote to me recently expressing their concern over addiction to cyber-fantasy by many youngsters who frequent cybercafes.

More and more youngsters frequent cybercafes to play games on the excuse of relaxation or taking a break from the pressures of school lessons and tuition. According to the parents, instead of drugs, these youngsters get addicted to cyber games.Not long ago, it was widely reported that school students in uniform were found in certain cybercafes in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh during checks conducted by the Education Department.There is nothing wrong with playing computer games to relax but this should be done in moderation. Any form of addiction is not good, particularly for students who have to study for examinations.What is most undesirable is when addiction to computer games leads to gambling. Electronic gambling must not be allowed and our youngsters must not get involved.While I am not against cybercafes, regulations governing them, especially over their location and enforcement, must be tightened in order to avoid social ills arising from such places. How is it that operators of such cybercafes allow students into their premises when the notice on the door stipulates that students in uniform should stay out?Cybercafes are mushrooming all over and local authorities who issue licences to these operators are not able to monitor their operations properly.To expect the operators to be ethical and self-regulate to prevent those under 18 from patronising these cybercafes is well nigh impossible, taking into account their pecuniary interests.All local authorities should ensure that cybercafe operators comply with the conditions of their permits, such as operating within reasonable hours and not allowing in young children. While we welcome the information and communication technology age, we must also ensure that the young generation will be protected from its negative influences. With the emergence of the smart learning environment, acquiring knowledge and information must be done with adequate moral education.While we need to produce intelligent and computer-savvy workers in this ICT age, this should be achieved without sacrificing or ignoring the need to inculcate noble moral values.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – October 12, 2008