Internet addiction - Let's fight it!

This week's Pastoral Care topic is on internet addiction. Although the internet is rich with information and helps us in our learning, we must be very careful not to become addicted to it and to learn how to use it properly and responsibly.

To become addicted to something means to spend a lot of time in doing the same thing, causing your health and other daily activities to be affected. For example, if your friend is addicted to playing computer games, it means that he spends a lot of time on the computer. He does not care about eating, doing his homework or even having enough sleep!

If you think that you are addicted to computer games or if you know of friends who are addicted to computer games, do inform your parents or teachers immediately.

For more tips on internet safety and addiction, visit the following websites:
1. KidsHealth - Safe Cyberspace Surfing
2. MDA CyberWellness website
3. Microsoft - Tips for parents to protect kids online

The following are helplines to help you overcome your addiction or other cyber-related problems:
1. Planet Crush (Cyberspace Risks & where U Seek Help) 1800-377 2252
2. Samaritans Of Singapore (Free, 24 hours) 1800-221 4444
3. Child Guidance Clinic 6435 3878/ 6435 3879
4. Addictions Helpline, IMH (Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 6.00pm) 6732 6837

Health Education - Feelings

How do you feel when the following situations occur:

• someone gives you a birthday card
• someone takes your pencil without your permission
• you have forgotten that there is a test and you are not prepared for it
• your parents have forgotten to fetch you from school and the school bus has left
• your best friend is hurt and has to be sent to the hospital
• your favourite television star will be visiting the school

Happy? Sad? Anxious? Angry? Excited? Nervous? These are ways to describe your feelings. Some feelings are positive and some are negative.

How do you overcome negative feelings? For example, how do you get over your anger towards someone? How do you overcome your sadness? What can you do to make someone else overcome their negative feelings?

Do visit the following website on managing your feelings: Kids Health.

9 August 2009 8.22 pm - Take the pledge!

On our upcoming National Day, do stop whatever you are doing at 8.22 pm and take the pledge with your family members. Wouldn't it be cool to know that everyone in Singapore will be taking the pledge at the same time? Cool! Do take pictures of you and your family members taking the pledge together and post here for everyone to see!