Snatch thieves and robbers, these despicable groups of people are getting front page news these days. However, this problem has been among us for a long time. It had to take the sacrifice of an innocent life before the relevant authorities could take note. Even then, the police has shown great inadequacies in dealing with this problem.

I could still remember the reply of a police officer during the time when a police report was being made with regards to a pickpocketing incident. “Biasalah itu. Kita tak boleh buat apa-apa.” (That is the usual case. We cannot do anything.) The tone of resignation of the police itself speaks volumes. Firstly, the police prefers to take a back seat rather than tackling the bull by its horns. Secondly , it reflects the lackaidasical attitude of our police force. Till today , the same stretch of road famous as a shopping haven, remains plagued by pickpocketing and snatch thieves.

I believe that the police need to take a more serious and upfront role in battling this menace. There needs to be more plainclothes policemen to nab unsuspecting thieves. In tandem, the law needs to increase the penalties for such crimes currently deemed as minor offences. Ultimately, the Government needs to get the ball rolling. The Malaysian public is getting tired of reading story after story of snatch thief victims bearing the brunt of this unhealthy scourge.

In the letter section of the Star,

This is surely not an isolated case of video game addiction. The technology of playing games interactively online is indeed exciting. Pitching one’s skill against probably the best in the world. Even the thrill of shooting at a friend across the room using a keyboard provides the adrenaline rush and thus the excitement and resulting addiction.

It is indeed a nightmare phase for any parent. Trying to get these children to concentrate on their studies would often fall on deaf ears. Even appeals to these cybercafe owners to restrict admission to school children are usually not entertained. Afterall, this is their bread and butter. The authorities themselves are powerless to close these cybercafes as they have legally no jurisdiction. Thus they continue to flourish in areas where it is profitable ie around schools and colleges.

Tackling this problem is no easy task. Trying to protect children from computer games will almost prove futile. Computer games have weaved itself into the fabric of everyday life. It is the challenge of educating our children to think more maturely with regards to the limits of computer gaming. Limiting or restricting access to computer games would only create more rebellion. Thus understanding adolescent mentality is probably the greatest asset for any parent.

Bringing up children in this era of computer age is no easy task. On most occasions, parents seem more aloof about the ins and outs of computing. This is where I feel the weakness lies. It should be the aim of every parent to equip themselves with the latest technological advancement there is. Learning how to operate the computer is the first vital step. Children and adolescent are an impressionable group. Therefore, it is important that they get the correct views and guidance from their parents rather than their friends. Getting better information from their parents will make them role models. On the other hand, if parents allow their children to learn incorrect use of the internet from their friends, it will no doubt degenerate into an addiction.

Therefore parents should not sit back and let their children rule these computers. They should take charge and show them that you are a better source of learning about computers than their friends. Exposing them to good games and the positive side of the internet must be done early. Warning them of the perils of this wonderful tool should also be the responsibility of the parent provided they know what perils lie in the first place.

The bottomline is simple. If you want your children to make full effective and positive use of the internet, learn it yourself.