New system can monitor time spent on playing Net games

BANGKOK: -- Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering and the Internet Foundation for Development of Thailand have teamed up to invent a new computer system with low investment that can help game-cafe owners limit kids to playing computer games for three hours a day.

With the new computer system, a kid is required to enter the number of his or her identification card to be able to play a game via the server of online game providers, foundation's director Srida Tanta-Athipanich said. The provider will then verify each child's information - such as name and date of birth - and input the information with the central server, which will |monitor the amount of hours a child plays games.

"The central server will inform online game providers once a child's account exceeds three hours a day," Srida said. "They are supposed to not allow children to continue playing."

Paediatrician Dr Chanika Toochind said there is a need to control the time children spend in front of the computer playing games as the endorphins released while they play can lead to a gaming addiction.

-- The Nation 2009-07-27

So, what is to stop the addicted child using their friends, sisters or brothers I.D. once he/she has maxed out their time on their own I.D?

So, what is to stop the addicted child using their friends, sisters or brothers I.D. once he/she has maxed out their time on their own I.D?

Nothing.

...to tilt at windmills. Battle lost already before its start!

Is this not something a parent should be responsible for, not the government? Unfortunately Thailand seems to be following China when it comes to laws relating to the internet (without the inter ) and it's usage.

endorphins released during gaming can lead to addiction? Really? Where is the proof? Even if it was addictive there is still no hard evidence, anywhere, that shows that gaming is in anyway harmful. Despite media hype and conservatives worries to the contrary.

This sort of thing should be the parents responsibility. Responsible parents should also do themselves and their kids a favour by educating themselves about their kids interests.

There are many resources for parents out there include sites like http://www.whattheyplay.com/ that are quite conservative but will also give a balanced description of what games are really like.

Since we can probably assume that each internet shop has its own server, then why can't someone finish the three hours, then move on to the next shop for another three hours? Or are they going to have all internet shops go through one central server???

With the new computer system, a kid is required to enter the number of his or her identification card to be able to play a game via the server of online game providers, foundation's director Srida Tanta-Athipanich said. The provider will then verify each child's information - such as name and date of birth - and input the information with the central server, which will |monitor the amount of hours a child plays games.

The real problem addiction is the desire to control other people and their activity.  Its the need to feel power and replace the lack of good sex in their own lives.  This problem is mostly found around the elitist. 

I'm just so sure that a lot of cafe owners will be eager to get this software started up; to protect their customers from consuming too much....

It just sounds like a way for the University to milk loads of cash from the government to research what it is selling as a 'worthwhile social program to help kids' yeah right! Money for the Uni thats all.

I thought there was already a system involving discipline, proper parentage and a clock?

I dont think it will work....at all internet cafes (like True Coffee), you are required to register at the screen or paper log-in (name and ID card or passport number)....a group of us this weekend all each logged-in as Willy Wonka 123456

in South Korea, kids (and adults) play on-line roleplaying (and warcraft) games at PC BANGS (i.e., internet shops with food and drinks)...there are no limits....I saw this first hand last month....they are super tech savvy and wired to the hilt everywhere (grandmas and little kids alike are glued to the webphones when riding subways).....if they cant limit it, how do you suppose our beloved Thailand can do so? by declaring a tech "hub"?