Article 5 (Teenager Issues)

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This article clearly reflected the impact of computer gaming on teenagers. The secondary 4 student, Syafiq, committed crimes in order to buy gaming accessories for his online games. This news had definitely raised a greater awareness in the general public of the impact of computer gaming on teenagers. Computer gaming has indeed affected many teenagers in terms of their actions as well as behaviours. Some crimes are actually committed due to this behaviour change in students, such in the case of Syafiq as well as many cases in other countries.

I believe that the issue mentioned in this article applies to all teenagers, including me who had enjoyed computer gaming. All of us need to realise the negative consequences of computer gaming and let this incident be a lesson for all of us. Self-control is needed greatly for all those who are addicted to computer games. I believe that academic should be of top importance as it will play a major role deciding the future for many people. One should make sure that computer gaming does not take away your time for homework as well as revision, and mostly important your interest for academic subjects. We should be aware of other hindrances that could affect us in terms of academics.

Singapore can both benefit and suffer due to computer gaming. With computer gaming, students will lose interest in studies and other activities such as Co-Curriculum Activities, resulting in some students not meeting the requirements for further degrees and as well as for job application, therefore Singapore may lose out in academic standards and employee literacy to other countries. Furthermore, crimes such as Syafiq’s case may reappear in Singapore, affecting Singapore’s peace and order. However, Singapore’s computer professionals would increase a lot in future because many teenagers are very interested in computer engineering which is a growing market for many countries.

I do understand that computer games are addictive, entertaining, appealing to many teenagers. Games are usually a sort of relief and entertainment to counter the boring effects of studying and doing homework. Games also provides challenges to players, beating those challenges will provide joy and boost in terms of self-confidence, being defeated by other players or the computer will activate a desire of winning. Both results in addiction and probably the reasons why Syafiq is addicted to computer games. Computer games also provide a virtue world that separates a lot from the reality, and main the cause to why Syafiq will feel thrilled at the theft instead of getting frightened.

I know that my views about this article are greatly affected by my own view and opinions about this world. For me, I feel that academic achievements are the most important while other things are less important. Other people might have different views, putting friendship as the most important. They would have different perspective to this article. Also, everyone has different goals in life and this article will hence mean different to everyone.

Article 6 (Educational Issues)

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The article reflects about the trend of bullying in Singapore. As mentioned in the article, 1 out of 5 children is subjected to bullying. As a result of bullying, many victims cannot concentrate in classes. In serious cases, victims have problems sleeping and even skip school. Bullying cases usually remained unresolved because the victims dare not speak up to adults. Besides, resolving bullying cases, it is also important to understand the reason behind the bullies’ behaviour in order to end bullying completely.

I feel the issue greatly applies to all victims as well as bullies, which include me as well. I do think that I am still a victim however sometimes I becomes a bully. In the past, I was bullied badly by verbal bullying. It was very difficult to ignore the harsh comments by them. I would usually be hurt by the fiery sword of verbal bullying. Now, I am more used to verbal bullying and less affected by it. However, I still get angry easily due to verbal bullying and stress and pressure of school work. It is difficult to control my anger and venting of anger on other people or things was often a result of stocking of anger and frustration.

I feel that Ministry of Education should take of this matter seriously. 20% of children are bullied by others is a worrying trend. Schools should take note of this worrying trend and make necessary moves to terminate all bullying. Survey can be conducted in schools to find out about bullying and counselling should be conducted regularly on bullies as well as victim. Talks should also be conducted in schools. It is very good to have a Tinkle hotline to help students with their troubles

Let us analyse two reasons why bullying still continues on.

The first reason is because of the fear of the victim towards the bullies. Although, some people might have felt bullying is not a serious matter, the suffering of victims is a lot. The victims will feel despair especially bullying cases usually involves several people, not just one. The victims do not dare to fight back and other students are also afraid to help. The victims also feel that telling teacher will only solve the bullying problems temporarily, they are afraid that the bullies will take revenge, which will mean a bigger nightmare.

The second reason is because of the bullies themselves. Bullies are likely to have family problems or immense stress from someone more powerful than they are. Therefore they will stock up a lot of fear, anxiety and anger. Bullying other people will provide a temporary release of those emotions since stocking of those emotions drive a lot of negative thoughts and sometimes despair.

I could only figure out two reasons, there could be many other reasons of cause and continuity of bullying. I look at bullying mainly from my own perspective and hence unaware of other people’s thoughts and feeling towards bullying.