ENG Mod 4 AS 2 DB

I. Introduction

A. Technology is increasingly available to children.

1. The rapidly growing availability of electronically based entertainment, especially for children, is an undeniable reality in today’s world.

B. A large portion of electronic activities and games are geared toward children.

1. Ads (such as those on Youtube) appeal to children or parents for children.

C. Thesis statement: “The excessive use of electronics, especially electronic gaming, detrimentally affects the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children.”

II. Background: High Use of Electronics by Young People

A. The high volume of engagement in electronic gaming and entertainment by children and adolescents warrants an analysis of their effects on them.

1. “Caregivers…educators…adults…know that children and adolescents spend a lot of time using electronic media” (Hertz).

2. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2015: “Estimated that…children use electronics…at least up to seven hours a day…” (qtd. in Ngalame).

III. Excessive use of electronics negatively impacts the physical health of children.

A. “In some ways, esports are like traditional sports…but…differ markedly from traditional sports in that athletes manipulate avatars…instead of physically confronting opponents…” (Holden).

1. Esports lessen needed physical engagement and exercise.

IV. The emotional or psychological health of young people suffers because of addiction to electronic gaming and other activities.

A. “Emotional responses…with…completion of the video game…seek out…a never- ending cycle of playing behavior” (Griffiths).

1. Video games are emotionally addictive by nature.

V. Children tend to experience social problems as a result of unhealthy usage of and addiction to electronics.

A. “…using technology can hinder children’s socials skills that they can develop” (Ngalame).

1. Technology use can discourage social activity and development.

VI. No scientifically documented arguments were found denying the effects of overuse of electronics by adolescents and children.

A. Objection: There is some consensus that electronic gaming is a harmless pastime.

1. “Let children be children.”

B. Objection: Children who use electronics as a primary form of entertainment certainly would resist restrictions on their use.

2. “They are fun; everyone is into Fortnite.”

C. Rebuttal: Children should be allowed to be children.

1. Electronics are superimposed; not a wholesome part of childhood.

a. “Wherefore do ye spend your money for that which is not bread…” (King James Version, Isa. 55:2).

D. Rebuttal: Children require the vigilant monitoring of their activities by parents.

1. Parents should restrict electronics time.

a. “…a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (King James Version, Prov. 29:15).

VII. Conclusion

A. Electronic gaming is growing and not waning.

1. It deserves consideration of its long-term effects.

B. Children and adolescents need the nurture and discipline of parents.

1. Their well-being demands the action of adults to protect and equip them.

Works Cited

The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.

Griffiths, Mark D. “Online Games, Addiction and Overuse of.” 4 Nov. 2014. Wiley Online

Library, doi: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/9781118767771.wbiedcs044.

Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.

Hertz, Marci Feldman, and Corinne David-Ferdon. “Electronic Media and Youth Violence: A

CDC Issue Brief for Educators and Caregivers.” United States, Department of Health

and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009,

cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/Electronic_Aggression_Researcher_Brief-a.pdf.

Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.

Holden, John T., et al. “Esports: Children, Stimulants and Video-gaming-induced Inactivity.”

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 54, no. 8, Aug. 2018, Wiley Online

Library, doi: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/jpc.13897. Accessed 1 Apr.

2021.

Ngalame, Senge D. “The Impact of Electronics and Development in Children: A Systematic

Review.” 2015. Concordia University; Master’s dissertation. Wordpress,

wp.cune.org/sengengalame/files/2013/08/Senge-Ngalame_Week-8.docx. Accessed 1

Apr. 2021.