Web worry whacks parents

LUDHIANA: The habit of being stuck to the idiot box among children has now moved on to internet, particularly social networking, as they spend a considerable time of their day in front of the computer screens. With the examinations coming closer, the parents are bothered if their wards will use the internet to score well or just waste their time networking with friends and watching videos and music on the web.
Many academicians and psychologists in the city believe the addiction to social networking sites might result in a drop in students' examinations scores. "The internet culture has undoubtedly taken over my son and during his exams, I feel annoyed as I have to constantly remind my son to concentrate on his academics while he surfs the internet," says Nivita Singhal, a parent residing at Sarabha Nagar.
Nivita is not the only parent facing trouble when it comes to getting children off their social circles on the internet. "I cannot even ask my daughter to stay away from computer as she has to use it for her studies, but there are numerous applications and online games, which seem to attract her more than the syllabus. Whenever I try making her understand not to waste time when online, we end up in an argument," says Manmeet Kaur, another parent residing at BRS Nagar. The students, however, have a justification for their time spent on the internet. They feel the exams are very stressful and surfing internet and logging on to social networking sites relieves them a bit from this exam stress.
"The exams are tough to handle. Stepping out of home to meet friends is not possible as it would waste our time. So, I prefer using my Facebook account to chat with friends or to play angry birds. It is a stress buster," says Prashant Mehra 17, a Class XII student from Hambran Road. Kitchlu Nagar resident and Class X student Manjot Singh, 16, says, "My parents have restricted my time to access the computer to just 2 hours a day. I have to prioritize my studies and dedicate an hour and half browsing for study material and half an hour for accessing my social networking accounts."
Dr B P Mishra, a clinical psychologist at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital says the social networking sites have both pros and cons, but the addiction to these websites is a serious concern. "I feel the parents should be careful while allowing their kids to access these websites. With exams days away, the students should spend more time with their books and choose outdoor activities if they feel stressed," he adds.