Lengthy school closures may be fueling internet, game addiction

Yeah, too much fun, free thinking, and moments without the control of someone else,

can be addictive.

Pffft.

What the hell do people expect? We live in the age of internet and kids use youtube, if folks are fearing about "addiction" then talk to their parents!

What the hell do people expect? We live in the age of internet and kids use youtube, if folks are fearing about "addiction" then talk to their parents!

you are so right. No either these game companies are going to get a lot of pressure in going to be made at fault or it’s gonna be more pressure on the schools to reopen because it can’t be the parents fault or it can’t be the kids fault, so it Hass to be the fault of the schools for not being open, so if they can open it and hopefully not compromise the health of everyone else, then that’s what they’re going to do, just watch.

I’m a parent and I want my kids to play games, but I also make sure that they do their homework and if they don’t, then no game shall be played until it is completed, it’s that simple and if I can do that any other parent can do that as well, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand this.

May be? I’ll let the J-Gov in on a little secret. Japanese kids and adults have been addicted to gaming and the internet since long before the virus and lockdown raised its head.

Most parents do not like the results of lust and thus welcome these games to shut the little tigers down.

May be? I’ll let the J-Gov in on a little secret. Japanese kids and adults have been addicted to gaming and the internet since long before the virus and lockdown raised its head.

Since the early 90’s, but remember this is a country that still have apprehensions about downloading, what do you think we have so many Tower Records in Japan still?

Most parents do not like the results of lust and thus welcome these games to shut the little tigers down.

Sad, but true. When I go to the malls and I see those playground centers in the malls you don’t see a lot of parents interact that much with the kids, especially the fathers, they just put the kids in there and let them play with each other, well most of the mothers are either chatting or on the phones and the fathers are looking around we’re just relaxing or sleeping

Good on them, they can learn more form games and internet than the inane local television and archaic education here

These are the boys later end up playing the lotteries and pachinkos, K'ching!

While game addiction is a real thing, I honestly don't believe the closures are fueling it more. Just like most addictions, addicts will always find a way. The state of emergency hasn't affected Pachinko gambling addicts. Also, just because one shop closed, I'm sure they found the next shop opened.

Japan’s “experts” are pretty busy these days giving their opinions and consensuses, they're due for a holiday...

The state of emergency hasn't affected Pachinko gambling addicts. Also, just because one shop closed, I'm sure they found the next shop opened.

Yeah, but there is a big difference between gambling and education and people can forgive people that want to gamble and waste of money or ruined her lives, but when it comes to education people in this country get real antsy if results are not shown and the closure is not helping. It’s just wiring.

No doubt a conclusion drawn by a bunch of old men addicted to their televisions, and even watch while eating rather than engage in conversation with family. But I'm guessing that's okay in their books, but playing them darn-tootin' video games with all the buttons and knick-knocks an bells and whistles! Gee whiz!

If the parental units did their job it should not be a problem. My kid doing fine, he's going to school online and is getting more help then he did in face to face school. He get bored with after being on the computer so we go for walks and drives.

Of course their parents couldn't turn them off and give them a book to read, organise a treasure hunt, get an old board game out or any other imaginative activity.....

The boogie man when I was a boy was rock music.

Managed to take my grandkids camping no phones. Collect fire wood, swim. I know they missed their phones but they were so busy they forgot. Uncomfortable sleep in a tent does wonders for those with opposable thumbs.

@Cricky you took them camping to the next room right ?

Yeah, no school = more online playing games with their friends... so in some ways, team working skills are being learnt.

smithinjapan Today 05:50 pm JST

No doubt a conclusion drawn by a bunch of old men addicted to their televisions, and even watch while eating rather than engage in conversation with family.

This is a good point. Adults who are critical of kids gaming or net-surfing need to look at themselves. It is rare to enter the home of a Japanese person when the TV isn’t on. If someone is home, there’s a good chance the TV is on.

Using "may" in headlines is bad practice and so common these days.

They could have written* "Lengthy school closures may NOT be fueling internet, game addiction"*

If you aren't certain about your claims why try to sensationalize it?

example...

Common headline: Avigan MAY be an effective Corona medication.

Headline never used: Avigan MAY NOT be an effective Corona medication

I spent my Golden Week playing Animal Crossing with friends. It was... Relaxing. The horror!

A culture can't be characterized as an addiction.

"conducted between March 27 and April 6" 

Interesting that the study was conducted in spring holidays. That should be somewhat taken into consideration, but ideally the time during the academic calendar, as in when students are at school, really needs to be included.

Also, you can't expect children, nor most adults for that matter, to responsibly manage their time. Structured hours and a routine are necessary ingredients to prevent the inevitable human inertia and addiction towards gaming, and the other war on us humans, the attention economy (i.e. time on the internet).