THAILAND Salesian center promotes 'healthy' computer games

19-08-2009

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SAM PHRAN, Thailand (UCAN) -- Concerned about the hours spent by children playing computer games these days, the Salesians running the Don Bosco Youth Center just west of Bangkok decided to do something about it.

In July, the center in Sam Phran decided to include "healthy" computer games among the other activities organized for youths every Sunday.

In Thailand, the number of boys aged seven to 15 addicted to such games is increasing rapidly, and has led to social problems such as truancy and even theft.

According to center director Father Supoj Rewngam, most online games found in computer shops promote violence and sex.

"Our center provides computer games for young people but these have been screened and most are designed to increase young people's skills in various ways and also increase their knowledge in using the computer," he said.

"We have to accept that the computer has become a basic need in daily life," he added.

The Salesian-run program has attracted about 50 young people, mostly boys.

Father Teeto Petron, director of the Salesian House where the Don Bosco Youth Center is located, explained that before the youths can play the games, they have to practice their computer skills under the guidance of Salesian seminarians. These include the use of the mouse, typing and drawing. The children are then allowed to play computer games for one hour, also under the watchful eye of seminarians.

The games chosen are non-violent and help improve memory, creativity and imagination, Father Petron said.

In one game which aims to improve creativity, a child listens to a story and then tries to draw pictures based on it using a painting software.

In another game which tests memory, a child opens up picture after picture, and tries to remember their locations afterward.

Father Supoj says that the center also tries to broaden the youngsters' horizons beyond such games. Seminarians teach the youngsters to play musical instruments such as the guitar and keyboard, while Salesian nuns teach them traditional Thai dance.

"We also provide ethics lessons for the youths, who are mostly Buddhists," the priest says. "For Catholic youths, we teach catechism as well. With all these activities, we hope to draw young people away from risky behavior."

Chartchai Yindeeyom, a seventh-grade student, said he used to spend 50 baht (US$1.50) every day on computer games but now he prefers coming to the center where he has made new friends and can learn new skills.

"I have the chance to learn computer skills and music, and there are Religious who take care of us," said the boy, whose single mother works as a bus conductor.

Nuttapong Pukae, 12, said his school does not teach him how to use the computer. He added that his parents approve of him coming to the center, and that many youngsters in the area fall prey to drugs.

Anusit Chanphen, a Salesian seminarian who assists at the center, noted that most of young people who join its activities are from poor or broken families.

"Parents don't have time to be with their children and so we give special attention to these children who are at greater risk of being lured by drugs or online games," he said.

Salesian Sister Pakamas Masorn said she encourages girls from her nearby Salesian-run Maree Umpathum girls school to join the Don Bosco center programs because girls today are increasingly tempted by drugs, leading to other problems such as unwanted pregnancies.

For others the center is a vital source of social support.

Pisut Suepan, 11, said the center is his only source of education and friendship because he stopped going to school after he became blind three years ago due to an accident.

"I sing songs with my friends," he shared. "They hold my hand and help me along. Seminarians take care of me. When I hear friends laughing, I feel happy too. I'm always waiting for Sunday."

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