http://ingame.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/15/10418836-south-korea-introduces-yet-another-law-to-curb-gamings-ills


The South Korean government is considering another law to further curb rampant game playing and Internet addiction among its youth. Dubbed the "Cooling Off" system, it aims to regulate the amount of time a student get to spend with video games in a 24-hour period.

If passed, it will join the "Shutdown Law," in effect since last November, which also targets gamers age 16 and under, but is far more restrictive in that it prohibits gaming between midnight and 6 a.m.

The primary aim of Cooling Off, like the Shutdown Law, is to prevent school bullying and suicides, which has been attributed to gaming and Internet addiction as a whole in the country. Internet addiction, in particular, has been a primary concern for a number of years.
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In addition to the psychological and physical impact that rampant online gaming has had on some youths, there have also been reports of deaths associated with gaming not just in South Korea, but various other parts of Asia, including an incident in Taiwan earlier this month.

Fear about rampant gaming is nearly universal among parents, educators, and legislators. American lawmakers have tried to pass somewhat similar laws, which are not nearly has hard-hitting, but they have not been successful.

Lawmakers, in general, have been unable to provide any scientific proof that links gaming and any supposed ills. But this hasn't stopped South Korean legislators.

As Kotaku explains it, the Cooling Off system will cause a game to be shut down automatically after two hours of being played. Gamers can log back in, but only after 10 minutes to "rest," and only once per 24 hours. It was not specified how long the second session will last, but it is presumed to be no longer than the initial time allotted.

In response, the Korean Wireless Internet Industry Association has stated that restrictive gaming privileges are not an answer, and mentions similar regulations imposed on comic books back in the 80s by South Korea, which aside from being ineffective, left the comic industry there in shambles as a result.

Considering how much revenue the South Korean gaming industry generates, many fear that the still-growing industry will suffer similar difficulties if the Cooling Off system goes into effect.

 

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I think it is a good idea. I started a thread about the youth of today a few days ago. Even though it is too late for you and you are already a waste of space does not mean we can not save a few kids.


As I said earlier, you have no idea what this will do to generations to come. It is not healthy. Go outside!

 

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Just two days ago there was a cop shot on the subway platform where i get on and off everyday. A teacher was caught in a cross fire and shot (not seriously hurt) about 2 blocks from where i work last week.

Yeah I rather be inside playing video games.

I do agree with the go-outside thing, but video games are good for you.

 

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Way to stretch that to try, but fail, to make a point.





In moderation, I 100% agree! I am not sure I would use the term "good for you", but fun and a nice outlet, definitely.

 

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I honestly do agree that the newer generations are less able to deal with REAL people.. I just like messing with you because well your icon is a cowboy helmet LOL

 

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So a maximum of 4 hours per day -- in 2 2 hour chunks -- separated by at least 10 minutes -- and not at night.

I remember everquest raids that took 4 hours + to complete.

Actually I think these laws might work more on the premise that video games are very competitive in south korea -- and if you restrict play at this level then there is no way that a 15 year old can be competitive in any game.. The 17 year olds playing longer hours and more consecutive hours will always be way ahead.

 

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4 hours a day is too much. A police officer should come and arrest the parents immediately when they exceed 2 hours.

I can deal with the Cowboy's bashing, but you called me old man, and THAT MAKES ME WANT TO BEAT YOU WITH MY WALKER UNTIL MY DENTURES COME UNHINGED!!

 

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