Communities in the UAE are fast adopting technology in order to reach out to each other and beyond. Not only does the technological advancement expand their network, it also allows them to communicate with friends and family, professional and personal contacts worldwide, in a much better way. One aspect of this openness to the world is the spread of smartphones and the intensive use of applications. Another aspect is the spread of smartphones and video games among children. Today, almost 60 per cent of the children have their own smartphones.
The technological platform is advancing rapidly in such a way that other means of media find it hard to match up in terms of delivering information. This is where social media scores because it constitutes an astonishing means of delivering information of any kind — whether useful or harmful. Its other downsides include game apps created by some companies (often free and in competition with each other) with an aim to make a fast buck via advertisements that pop up when the game application is running. Moreover, some of these app stores do not set conditions of surveillance for applications before those can be downloaded. This points to the fact that creators of such applications disregard all ethical or moral values while uploading these applications.
What is worrying is the growing craze among both adults and children of recording videos of several ‘viral’ games/acts. Since the beginning of the ice cubes challenge and cold water pot challenge, there have been instances of dangerous challenges like climbing heights or eating chilli etc. This is erratic behaviour.
With the advancement of technology, video games have morphed into several formats. There are individual games these days (earlier parents used to isolate their children from group games), which young people take risks to perform. The latest generation of games connects the players to virtual reality such as games like Pokemon and the Blue Whale, which was created by a Russian teenager (who was fully aware of what people in his age group were looking for). Blue Whale, for instance, is based on a challenge to move from one stage to another in a rather risky fashion.
While technological lifestyle is bound to touch us in one way or the other, it has its distinctive share of advantages and disadvantages. It is important that parents get involved in this and explain to their children the risks of misusing such video games. It is important to get close to the children with communication being the key here. This will go a long way towards prevention of social problems and disorders in our society.
Parents must monitor the applications that their children download and keep an eye on the contact lists in his or her social media as well. Apart from specifying times for smartphones/tablet usage, it is incumbent upon parents to monitor any behaviour changes that their wards undergo. Since they are at a formative stage in their lives, children need parents as their counsellors and guides. Only with effective supervision can we secure the future of our young children.
Colonel Dr. Obeid Al Mukhatn is director at Police Operations Department, Sharjah.
