MP's young nephew a cyber addict and $80,000 in 'debt'
HE IS only 12 years old but often played truant to spend time at cybergaming centres, and even ended up with an $80,000 'debt'.
So concerned was Ms Ellen Lee (Sembawang GRC) about the antics of her nephew and others like him - who skip school and mix with bad company at cybergaming centres - that she raised the issue in Parliament.
Previously, several residents in her constituency also complained about their children spending time and money in cybergaming shops.
GLUED TO THE SCREEN: Gamers pit their skills at E2Max, a gaming centre at Orchard Cineleisure shopping centre. Research firm IDC puts the number of gamers here at more than one million.
Managing the situation
ON THE GROUND
Outlets need a licence and are prohibited in HDB residential zones
They must be set up in commercial, recreational and shopping centres, such as HDB town centres
They must not admit youth under 16 before 6.30pm on school days
Students in uniform are barred at all times
Any breach may be met with a fine of up to $10,000, demerit points and licence suspension
IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY
Cyber wellness programmes are part of the curriculum in some schools, assembly talks and workshops
Counsellors are trained to manage addiction
Voluntary welfare organisation Touch Community's Project Crush counsels students about cyber risks
The National Youth Council and National Committee on Youth Guidance and Rehabilitation helped produce a guidebook on online risks
The committee set up a fund to encourage groups to run cyber wellness programmes
'But I did not quite understand the problem until my own nephew got involved,' she said yesterday after asking about measures to control cyber-gaming cafes and prevent students frequenting such places.
She told The Straits Times that a few months ago, her nephew was beaten up by a bully who coerced him to reveal the user ID and password of his friend's massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) account.
The bully allegedly logged on to the account and transferred 800 million worth of virtual currency to himself.
Such currency is commonly accumulated as players complete quests, loot gold dropped by monsters and sell virtual items.
When the account holder discovered the loss, he demanded repayment of the virtual currency - saying it was equal to $80,000.
Ms Lee, who declined to identify her nephew to protect his privacy, said he turned to his mother for help. That is how she learnt about his cybergaming problems.
The nephew, who used to run away from home and skip school regularly, has not given in to the demand. But he has tried to solve his problem by selling some games to reduce the amount he 'owes'.
His school is aware of his problem. A police report has also been made and the incident is being looked into, added Ms Lee.
In the meantime, the nephew is undergoing counselling. 'He seems to have improved. I haven't received any phone calls about him running away recently.'
Yesterday, she asked three ministries about measures in place to safeguard students, including from becoming cyber addicts.
Senior Minister of State (Law and Home Affairs) Ho Peng Kee said the police are aware of the potential to become addicted and cited various measures, including regulations that limit student access to cybergaming centres.
He also said that tackling cybergaming delinquency needs involvement of parents and school.
In some schools, staff work with neighbourhood police centres and look out for students who play truant.
Minister of State (Education) Gan Kim Yong said schools take a serious view of cyber addiction and adopt a proactive approach to educating students on the risks.
'Cyber wellness' programmes are part of lessons in some schools, while counsellors are trained to manage addictive behaviour.
Parliamentary Secretary (Community Development, Youth and Sports) Teo Ser Luck said his ministry supports voluntary organisations that help youth adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
For example, Touch Community's Project Crush, started in 2001 to educate youth and provide counselling services, has reached out to more than 130,000 secondary school students.
Ms Lee said she was glad to learn about the multiple efforts being made. She said she would monitor the situation and raise the issue again in Parliament if necessary.
