In our modern age of technology, internet usage is extremely common. Sometimes, the internet is used more for pleasure than for instrumental purposes. The usage of internet can be divided into categories of communication, work, entertainment, and electronic commerce. The internet is indeed a platform for checking mails, checking on the latest news, doing research or school work, reading e-magazines, chatting, cyber gaming, blogging, streaming videos and downloading music or videos.
In my opinion, the entertainment on the internet is indeed developed and can easily outgrow into internet addiction. Nowadays, students are required to do their homework, projects and many other school related activities online. Instant messaging would simply be a mode of immediate and fast communication between students. Email would be the platform of file sending and notifications. Internet is used for research and also accessing of school portals online. Apart from school work and researching, students would definitely find time to relax by playing online games, listening to music online and watching videos online. This ‘entertainment section’ of the internet can lead to internet addiction, especially when one is not in control.
Among students and even some adults, online games are becoming more and more popular everyday and a lot of precious time is spent on it. Today, vast majority of Web-based games are free to play. Examples of online games include Multiplayer Online Games (MOG), Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) and Browser games. These games are definitely filled with thrills and fun. There are various experience and levels within the games that can get any player motivated to play on and on. These games are addictive. Players may tend to stay online playing for hours and hours, affecting the quality of their lives. They tend to play compulsively. They may isolate themselves from people around them and focus all energy on game achievements rather than real life events. At times when things get overboard, some game addicts even hold back on going to the toilet, eating and sleeping, decrying such things as ‘a waste of time’, according to Ms Geraldine Tan, a psychologist.
Instant messaging is popular and can be addicting. It is an instantaneous mode of communication. Many people chat , make calls online or even video calls online just to say hello to their friends or family. Sometimes chatting can go on and on for hours that one does not realise that many hours have passed. It is a wonder how someone can sit down in one chair the whole day chatting to his contacts on messenger, and this can go on day after day. This can bring laziness, and of course lead to addiction.
Blogging can be addictive too and it is surely time consuming. Blogging is simply considered as a virtual diary that can be viewed by the world wide web. Many people blog about their daily happenings, about the people around them or even current affairs. There are some who are also bold enough to blog about politics. I would say that blogging can take a lot of time if someone is extremely serious about it. Anyone can get overboard and things can get out if control.
As we all know, people spend a lot of time surfing on the internet for work or study. Excessive web surfing can lead to compulsive surfing, which is another type of internet addiction. In today’s life style, surfing the net cannot be avoided. We surf the net to seek for information. If one goes on surfing without self- control, this surely can lead to compulsive surfing. One may spend a lot of time gathering irrelevant information. This may in turn lead to information overload. On the whole, one may spend more time searching for information, collecting data and organizing all the information collated. This would definitely hinder with ones productivity.
Time spent on the internet can easily become an ‘out-of-control habit.’ This ‘online control behavior’ can interfere with normal living and cause stress on family relationships. To my mind, internet has its pros and cons; it surely depends on how you look at it. For example, playing games online can be a good form of relaxation if the player in control of his time and does not get carried away; blogging can be fulfilling if the blogger is in full control. As long as one does not go overboard, the same thing goes for net surfing and instant messaging as well.
Nowadays, people really spend more time in front of the computer screens rather than hang out with friends or spend time with their families. According to Dr Yeo, a consultant psychiatrist, “Young people are full of energy and some see Singapore as too boring a place, so they escape into the virtual world, which is much more exciting." Therefore, there is a heavy social problem if one spends too much time glued to the computer screen. An addict can get really frustrated and irritated when removed from source of addiction. This can lead to rebellious attitude and lots of anger. According to Dr Yeo, "If it takes up more and more of your time and it becomes the preferred activity in your life to the exclusion of everything else, that's the surest warning signal that something is not quite right."
Since there are so many platforms to express oneself, entertain oneself, and simply chat with others on the internet, the internet is becoming one of the leading modes of entertainment. However, there are many alternatives to simply sitting in one spot the whole day pressing the buttons on the keyboard. One can simply relax by playing sports, watching TV, reading a book or the newspaper. The internet is an important tool in our lives and we surely must learn to use it wisely. As the saying goes, “you will go most safely in the middle” by Ovid, a Roman Poet. Therefore, if you ever find yourself withdrawing into any particular activity, or sudden loss of interest in other things, that is a signal of certain addiction. Well, this is indeed a FACT.
(998 words)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Internet Addiction: Fact or Fiction
Article - Tech addiction a growing problem
Section: Wellness
By: MELISSA HENG
Publication: The Business Times 05/07/2008
Page: 19
No. of words: 805
It's more dangerous than say, alcoholism, because it may not show up physically and that adds to
the denial, reports MELISSA HENG
JIMMY Tan is a typical shirt-and-tie finance executive by day – and an all-powerful cyber warlord by
night.
The 28-year-old's self-confessed Jekyll and Hyde lifestyle started about two years ago, when he
was introduced to the world of cyber gaming.
Now, he spends up to five hours a night building virtual castles in the air, and stays rooted to his
computer for up to 15 hours at a stretch on weekends.
Unhealthy, you ask? Yes, according to psychiatrists and psychologists here and abroad.
"We are seeing a disturbing trend where teenagers and young working adults would rather spend
time with their laptops than their friends," says psychologist Geraldine Tan. "This kind of solitary
activity cuts you off from the real world and lets you live in a false fantastic one."
According to her, a growing number of people are becoming addicted to new technology such as
the Internet, cyber gaming and text messaging.
"Over the past year, there has been about a 10 per cent increase in the number of people seeking
help for such addictions," says Ms Tan, who provides counselling.
Of course, the problem is not limited to Singapore. The authoritative American Journal of Psychiatry
recently ran an editorial urging that excessive gaming, compulsive e-mailing and text messaging
(SMS-ing) be officially added to psychiatry's guidebook on mental disorders.
"In a sense, such addictions are even more dangerous than say, alcoholism, because they may
not show up physically and that adds to the denial. The impact on a person's mental state could be
quite damaging," warns Ms Tan.
Consultant psychiatrist Brian Yeo agrees, saying: "People's lifestyles are changing. New technology
has become part and parcel of life. Being constantly connected is socially acceptable, which makes
it difficult for people to see their dependence as a problem."
So when does habit tip over into addiction? Where should you draw the line?
"Types of addiction may evolve, but the symptoms remain the same," says Dr Yeo. "If it takes up
more and more of your time and it becomes the preferred activity in your life to the exclusion of
everything else, that's the surest warning signal that something is not quite right."
It's a fine line – and one that is easily crossed unconsciously.
"Most times, people do not set out to be addicted to something," says Ms Tan. "In gaming, for
example, a lot of kids use it as a coping mechanism, as a form of relaxation away from the stress of
studies. Some eventually lose control and there are those who forego even basic bodily functions to
continue with the game."
According to her, some game addicts even hold back on going to the toilet, eating and sleeping,
decrying such things as "a waste of time".
"Young people are full of energy and some see Singapore as too boring a place, so they escape
into the virtual world, which is much more exciting," says Dr Yeo. "These are people who may feel
they can live a better life online, so that's where they spend their real lives."
The harm this causes isn't confined to just the addict. In fact, it is often their family that ends up
suffering.
"For the addict, withdrawal into himself will affect his social skills. But for the family, the hurt is more
emotional," says Ms Tan. "Often, an addict will turn irritable, angry or even violent when removed
from his source of addiction. This can cause family problems."
As with any addiction, treatment can be drawn-out, stretching into months and sometimes a year
or more.
"It's a process, not a one-time treatment," says Ms Tan. "How an addict is treated depends on the
strength of addiction and whether he is in denial."
Often, the best treatment is also the most painful – cold turkey.
"Going cold turkey means plucking the addict out of his safe zone and putting him into a new,
structured environment," Ms Tan explains.
Not everyone, however, can tolerate such an extreme process. Often, medication may be
necessary first to help wean the addict off his compulsion. Once he is stabilised, it should be
possible to slowly create boundaries, with reward systems and structured time-tables.
In the majority of the cases here, parents initiate the treatment process.
"Most parents are worried that their child's school grades will suffer, or that he may not fit into
normal society, so they seek professional help," says Dr Yeo, whose clinic sees about one such
case each week.
So what can you do to avoid being over-dependent on new technology?
"People should be moderate. Being conscious and being aware of the problem will help. But
ultimately, if you ever find yourself withdrawing into any particular activity, or losing interest in other
things suddenly, that's an alarm bell," says Ms Tan.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
SS Essay on Democracy
“Democracy Creates Stability in a Society.”
Democracy is defined as the representation of people who have been elected by the public. It is considered to be the fairest political ideology as choice of government body, and hence, resulting laws and policies in the hands of the majority of the public. Citizens make political decisions by majority rule. The rights of all citizens, both majority and minority is be protected. To achieve stability, there has to be no commotions or arguments. Therefore, a stable society can be considered as one with little or almost commotion-free.
Democracy is believed by many as they get represented by government exercised by them. People can openly express their views and will not feel constrained. Democracy is an outlet of people’s feelings and it makes most happy as they can make a difference to the society as their opinions are heard. This kind of political ideology makes most feel contented or satisfied. Democracy is practiced in many countries; however, some in a ‘mutated' form, mixed with other political ideologies such as totalitarianism. An example of a country that practices democracy is Singapore. The People’s Action Party (PAP) always wins and dominates the parliament. Other parties never come close to winning the majority. Even though Singapore can be considered as a one-party rule country or even almost totalitarian, it is still run by representation in the parliament. The representation in parliament helps brings views of the people up to the government. As a result, the government is able to attend to the people’s needs. Singapore’s society is indeed stable. Although everything is totally controlled by the ruling party, democracy in Singapore is indeed effective.
On the other hand, democracy can be ineffective; thus creating instability. For democracy to work, people must be able to accept the way it works. People must know how to decide for themselves and certainly play a vital role in the decision-making. If democracy falls into the wrong hands, the country could plunge into instability. Voted leaders can embezzle. Represented people might not do their job, and fail to keep promises. This can result in anger in the people and this in turn can lead to the overthrowing of the government, perhaps by the military. Let’s take Thailand and Thaksin Shinawatra for example. Thaksin, who was popular among country folks, became the prime minister after unwise voting by the people of Thailand. There were corruption cases involving his government and the people’s anger led to a military coup. In this case, democracy has certainly not led to stability.
On the whole, I would say that democracy does create stability. If people can decide what is best for them, then democracy will work. In some instances, democracy may not create stability; other political ideologies such as totalitarianism and authoritarianism may work better. Basically, people should understand the principle of democracy; they ought to be educated to be able to decide for themselves. To my mind, democracy is truly the best; it justifies basic human rights, free and fair elections, equality before law, and social and economic stability.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Social Studies Group Discussion
Armaan: Firstly, we shall discuss on the definitions, beginning with democracy.
Aravin: Democracy can be defined as the representation of the people through representatives who have been elected by the public itself.
Armaan: Basically democracy is like you said, representation of people through representatives through lets say elections and it's generally the 'majority wins’ situation.
Joel: I agree.
Akshay: It is a government for the people.
Joel: It is a political ideology whereby where the people decide who is represented.
Akshay: The people get to exercise their freedom of choice.
Armaan: There is a freedom of choice in a certain sense. Not everyone gets their way. It depends on majority's choices.
Akshay: True. There are two types of democracy; pure democracy and representative democracy.
Aravin: Lets move on to stability.
Akshay: Stability is the quality or attribute of being firm and steadfast.
Joel: There are a few aspects of stability; social, economic and political.
Armaan: Yes. I agree.
Aravin: I prefer to think of stability as a state where there are little if any complications within the society and hence the governing body does no face any pressure.
Armaan: Stability generally comes about when there is little or minimal problems in terms of social, economical and political state.
Joel: Yes, something like a 'well-balanced' trouble free and peaceful nation.
Akshay: I think we can accept that too. However, being peaceful does not guarantee stability. It just means there is no war or division in the society.
Armaan: Are you sure that there is such thing as a trouble free nations? Nothing is perfect. Is there even a perfect society?
Joel: Correction then to minimal trouble.
Aravin: I also believe that stability in a society can be achieved only when there are little or any conflicting ideologies with the government.
Armaan: I think we can all agree on that.
Akshay: Yup.
Joel: Yes.
Akshay: Now let's discuss the feasibility of society. Society is an organized group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes.
Armaan: Yes.
Aravin: I guess a society is more of a group of people, living as members of a community, with mutual understandings and beliefs.
Armaan: It is generally just a group of people living together.
Aravin: Moving on, how feasible is a stable society?
Akshay: Why do you think people want democracy?
Joel: To get a fair chance.
Akshay: What do you think people hope to achieve through democracy?
Aravin: People believe in democracy because they get represented through democracy.
Akshay: Firstly, I think they want their views and opinions to be echoed and heard. Hence, they would like democracy as it helps in their representation.
Joel: Basically people would want a fair chance and a fair chance for everyone else.
Aravin: Their needs are voiced through their representative and hence they are taken care of.
Armaan: Generally it's just a fair thing for all. And the representation by election makes most happy or satisfied.
Akshay: Democracy is also useful as it serves as an outlet for the people’s feelings. People can openly express their views and not be constrained.
Joel: Yes, a sort of fair chance to put their views forward.
Armaan: The public's voice can easily be heard.
Akshay: An example of a country that practices democracy is America.
Aravin: Yes. It has a very clear cut democratic government.
Armaan: Yes, two parties with elections.
Akshay: The people can choose between democrats and republicans The two parties have different ideologies and the people can subscribe to a variety of views.
Armaan: Singapore considers itself to be a democratic society in a way.
Aravin: I disagree. Singapore is mainly a one-party government.
Armaan: However in some ways, it s not really democratic as there has been one party that has been leading Singapore.
Joel: But Singapore still has representatives in the parliament right? People still get a chance to choose other parties.
Akshay: Singapore is only slightly democratic as PAP always dominates.
Aravin: Making Singapore on the border of totalitarianism.
Akshay: The importance in democracy is that equal chances must be given to all parties. I think totalitarian too harsh a term.
Aravin: Me too, emphasizing Singapore being on the border.
Armaan: If we look at Malaysia for instance, Barisan Nasional (BN) has been ruling with a landslide majority for years since independence. However, in the recently concluded elections, opposition seems to have gotten a fair share of the parliament.
Joel: Yes, another party could take over the government in the near future.
Akshay: It seems to be a similar situation to Singapore.
Aravin: Yes. Recently however, BN suffered some losses in major states.
Armaan: Therefore, in a way, Singapore is not totally totalitarian and neither is it purely democratic.
Akshay: I think, now democracy is starting to resurface.
Joel: Therefore, from this we can see that people are able to put their views forward fairly.
Aravin: However, Malaysia is not yet purely democratic due to some theocratic influences.
Armaan: What are the countries that have succeeded under democracy?
Akshay: I think we should look at America as it is more obvious.
Joel: Singapore can be used if you look at the political history at the time of Labour Front, PAP and etc.
Armaan: Yes. I agree.
Akshay: I think we can look at the victory of David Marshall and its consequences. We can also compare it to pap's current regime. Previously, it was more democratic. Now, it is more of a single-ruling party. We can draw comparisons.
Aravin: There were many parties competing for political power.
Armaan: Generally the mistake made by Marshall inflicted serious damage to their party and since then people voted for other parties.
Aravin: The government was a diverse one and since the mistake, Marshall’s party has been out of the political scene.
Armaan: The people do not want the same mistake to be repeated and an incompetent government would not do them any good.
Akshay: We can see this as an effort by the people to express their views as voting is in the hands of the people.
Aravin: However, how did Singapore change from clean democracy to now a mutated form of one-part democracy?
Joel: This is because people trusted in the PAP and therefore did not really need the other parties as PAP ruled well.
Armaan: And this probably led to people being satisfied. Another reason people won't vote for other parties is that the people are used to the rule of PAP that a change in lifestyle might not be satisfiable to the people.
Akshay: We have to consider whether the people felt that choosing PAP would bring about more 'stability' to Singapore.
Aravin: However, then we can say that this would occur to most democratic countries.
Akshay: PAP uses more conservative methods.
Joel: Yes this would occur as people would get used to a certain party thus bringing out dominance.
Aravin: Yes and then most democratic societies would become one-party dominated societies. Is this desirable?
Armaan: Unless the PAP or any ruling party makes a crucial mistake, it would stay in power in Singapore or that country for a long time to come.
Akshay: People chose PAP as they felt that society was more stable under their regime
Aravin: There is no real opposition, leading to PAP dominance. Also, there are little societal problems.
Akshay: This would not make it fair to consider Singapore as being democratic.
Joel: So does the case study of Singapore say anything about democracy bringing out stability?
Armaan: So generally, has Singapore succeeded from its democratic past?
Joel: Yes, it has. Singapore is a rather stable country with a small number of problems.
Armaan: Democracy allows people to choose what they want. So most things are their choice.
Aravin: If it is the people’s choice, it would also be their fault if the government they elected is incompetent.
Akshay: That is partially true. It also depends on what the government promises initially.
Armaan: However, I think democracy also has its weaknesses. If the minority however, is large, there may be some instability.
Joel: Yes, there's still the minority to consider.
Aravin: Also, not always is the majority correct.
Joel: When a large minority isn’t happy will probably have riots and protests. Let's say 51% vote yes and 49% no then obviously minority will create lots of trouble.
Akshay: The people will be dissatisfied with the government and are prompted to take action to improve their state.
Armaan: 51-49 can cause a lot of chaos as the votes are almost split.
Aravin: Yes, recounts will be called.
Joel: Even if its quite close can see trouble.
Akshay: The people will have different views about their desired ruling style.
Joel: Like the Malaysian elections some people not happy go do something with the political office in the state.
Akshay: Democracy generally creates instability as it creates a divide in the people. This could lead to social fragmentation in society.
Armaan: It depends on the situation and the people trying to get for governance.
Aravin: Also democracy usually depends a lot on literacy; it usually only works for countries with a high literate population.
Joel: People have to accept that lose means lose in democracy and how the way democracy is run.
Armaan: Because in some cases, if a govt makes a mistake, the other party or candidate gets a better edge over the election.
Akshay: How?
Aravin: People in less developed country tend to go with the same leader, unwilling to change and this is not always good.
Armaan: Yes, that's the weakness.
Aravin: For the case of Thailand the leaders can easily thwart them and deceive them due to their low literacy. Thaksin Shinawatra won all the country folks votes but he was leeching the countries resources for himself and so the military overpowered him. Same goes for Nigeria. Democracy does not usually provide any change at all.
Armaan: So in still developing countries, people go for the same leader, who actually can be a sort of a person who embezzles.
Joel: Or take advantage of the people.
Aravin: It is more of a foreign policy so that foreign relations will be stable.
Akshay: People are gullible and unaware of the fact that they are being cheated.
Aravin: But that is beside the point.
Armaan: Depends also like he mentioned earlier, the literacy.
Akshay: People are unquestioning.
Aravin: My point is that in countries where democracy has been adopted, change in government ruling parties are rarely seen.
Armaan: And IF there is going to be a change. People will split between the old government and also the better party or candidate.
Akshay: This is because there is very little fluctuation in the political policies of the party.
Armaan: And if that is going to happen, there may be some fragmentation.
Aravin: We can then conclude that democracy increases the chance of a one-party system in countries.
Armaan: I disagree. Democracy generally is more applicable to the almost totalitarian countries. It is better for them. But if it is like this, how can it be called democracy. If we look at the US, there is not really much conflict in a way even with Republican and Democrat with usually close number of vote difference.
Akshay: This could lead to political instability.
Joel: But people STILL have a choice.
Armaan: I think we are going back to square one.
Joel: So for democracy to work, the literacy level of a country must be of an adequate level and people must accept the way democracy works.
Akshay: However, if the literacy level is high, the people cold begin questioning and pointing out the flaws.
Joel: Yes then the people would shift towards the party that they think is better.
Akshay: So this could result in political instability.
Armaan: People still have a choice and have to accept it. I think, we are kind of back to square one. Its not the problem with democracy you are explaining. Its the problem of the LEADERS doing bad things.
Akshay: You are right.
Joel: The problem is that there MUST be certain criteria for democracy to work and that isn’t always guaranteed. Like the literacy and acceptance thing must be there, if not it wouldn’t work.
Aravin: Didn’t we already talk about that.
Armaan: Democracy depends on the voters, totally on the voters. If there is a lot of democracy, there will be more of a freedom of choice.
Aravin: And because of that? Voters are not always right,rite?
Akshay: True. They just vote on what the candidate portrays him to be; the candidate could be deceiving.
Aravin: Especially if they are not literate.
Armaan: But actually, it kind of is an almost perfect thing.
Akshay: Why?
Joel: Yeah, so this is why the criteria are needed.
Akshay: Armaan, substantiate your statement.
Armaan: It's an almost perfect thing because it depends on the people. So if the people make a mistake, its their problem. But the literacy part should kick in. So if there is low literacy, there has to be more control not by the people.
Akshay: It's perfect for the ruling party, not the citizens.
Joel: We are going back to the same conclusion. There must be a criteria; solves most problems.
Armaan: It DOES solve most problems. Democracy is best for those who can decide what is best for them. Illiterates or people who are uneducated maybe should have restrictions. So, in underdeveloped countries, democracy might not necessarily work.
Akshay: But they could be deceived.
Aravin: In conclusion, Democracy is a good type of PI. However, it should only be used in developed countries due to its literacy requirements and its inability to bring a short-term change.
Armaan: Compared to most other PIs it is the probably the best for those who can decide what's best for themselves
Akshay: It's solely based on the decision-making of the people.
Armaan: For people who can't, there should be other PI which holds more control from the leaders rather than the people. So, if the people make the wrong decision, it's their fault, and if they make the wrong decision, they can still make changes.
Akshay: It would have to be a governemnt centralised around the people.
Armaan: In conclusion, democracy is actually a good type of PI that can create stability.
End of Discussion
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Smoking?... I Think Not!
Smoking is an issue which is currently being tackled by the Singapore Government. Smoking has been banned in most indoor places and soon, more outdoor areas like playgrounds. Smoking, as everyone knows, has adverse effects, both to our health and also our appearance. Smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer, respiratory diseases and also cardiovascular diseases. Smoking can cause bad breath and can result in the damaging of teeth and also gums. If most smokers know this flat fact, then why do they still smoke? Simple! The nicotine found in cigarettes is extremely addictive and affects the nervous system after just one puff. It is said to relief anxiety, thus giving smokers a feeling of relaxation and pleasure. Once started it is indeed hard to quit.
To some, smoking is cool and hip, especially to teenagers. The two mischievous brothers, in the article, out of curiosity nicked a cigarette from their father. Just one stick of cigarette, led them gradually to serious addiction. They smoked with their friends in void decks and later on, bravely in school. Their secret solace was then found out by the teachers. They were then brought to a counselor.
I personally feel that teens nowadays need to be watched closely. It is the parents’ responsibility to raise their children with proper discipline. The father of the two teens smoked. He was the main reason his boys started smoking in the first place. It was difficult for him to advise his children to quit smoking as he was a smoker himself.
John, one of the teenagers, soon felt the adverse effects of smoking after a couple of years. His stamina and fitness level was deteriorating. He was experiencing breathing difficulties. He eventually quit, with advice from his friends. If he had continued smoking, it would have badly affected him; spiritually, mentally and also physically.
Their family soon became smoke free with John’s help. A little family support always helps makes things better. The three ex-smokers have faced various problems and consequences, and understand the adverse effects of smoking. However, their past smoking habit could have left permanent health effects on their lives.
From this article, I have learnt most importantly that influence from friends and families have a great impact on our lives. It is important that we, as family and friends support one another in doing the right thing. Prevention is definitely better than cure. Without support from family and friends, who knows how far our loved ones can go astray.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The New Paper: Smoking Leaves Teen Huffing and Puffing(Article Only)
The New Paper (08/06/07)- Genevieve Jiang
JOHN (not his real name) and his brother picked up their first cigarette when they were only children.The boys, then aged 11 and 12, shared a stick they had stolen from their father.But that moment of childish curiosity eventually led to an addiction that became hard to kick.
It wasn't until John's fitness and stamina suffered that he decided it was time to quit. He is now 14, and has been smoke-free since last September.John's brother, now 15, quit the habit a few months later and has remained smoke-free since.
Said Madam Zarina Abdul Patah, a certified smoking cessation counsellor: "John's father smoked whenever he was stressed, so the boys grew up thinking that smoking could relieve stress."Smoking became the boys' secret solace.But it wasn't easy for the children to get hold of cigarettes because of their age. It is an offence to sell tobacco products to those below 18.Said Madam Zarina: "They resorted to stealing from their father, sometimes buying contraband cigarettes from illegal sources or getting their older friends to help them buy cigarettes.
"At first, the boys would share a pack over three to four days.They would hide at corners of void decks with their friends to smoke.But their addiction grew, and eventually, they each smoked up to 10sticks a day.They grew bolder too, and even smoked in school. Eventually, they were caught by their teachers.Said Madam Zarina: "That was when their parents found out about their smoking habit.
"Their father advised them to quit, but it was hard for him to scold or convince them because he was a smoker himself."John's father, a 42-year-old postal executive, had been smoking for more than 30 years. He smoked up to two packs a day. Last year, John noticed that his stamina was getting worse.The boy, who played soccer regularly, found that he was easily out of breath and couldn't perform well at soccer. Friends advised him to quit smoking.
Last September, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) organised a smoking cessation workshop targeting youths aged 13 to 17.The workshop challenged participants to remain smoke-free for a month. Successful participants could win up to $350 worth of prizes.John found out about the workshop through friends and signed up.Said Madam Zarina: "During our workshops, John realised that smoking was not solving any of his problems. Instead, it was becoming a problem. "He had to hide from the authorities, and buy cologne to smell good. It was not a cheap habit to maintain."
John went cold turkey for a month, and emerged winner of the challenge. He has remained smoke-free since.Said Madam Zarina: "It wasn't easy, considering that his father and brother were still smoking in front of him while he was trying to quit."But he would excuse himself whenever he saw them smoke to reduce the temptation."He also resorted to exercising to deal with cravings to smoke."John then helped his elder brother quit by hiding his cigarettes, throwing away ashtrays, and encouraging him to do more sports. He succeeded a few months later.In January this year, the boys encouraged their father to sign up for one of HPB's smoking cessation workshops.He managed to go cold turkey for a full month during the workshop, and has remained smoke-free since.
Said Madam Zarina: "The family learnt to spend more time together instead of hanging out with their friends who smoke, and support each other through the quitting process."I cannot stress enough how important family support is in helping a smoker quit."
