Children need more options to relax

Instability in the market is taking a toll on employees, readers say. Other topics: children's relaxation, driving offence, role of parents, use of words

A reader says children need more options to unwind. Elise Amendola / AP Photo

Regarding the article Warning over children's TV habits at Ramadan majlis lecture (June 21), I would like to point out that it's not just during one particular time that children ought to be dissuaded from watching television all the time.

Because it is often hard for children to find a place to play outside, perhaps the Government should think of building indoor facilities in every residential area, where children between 6 and 18 can entertain themselves in a positive way.

For example, there can be facilities for sports such as table tennis and badminton, arts, music, watching documentaries, cultural performances and so on. At present there are not many things for them to do here other than watching television.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Regarding your editorial How to get kids to turn off the tablet (June 22), the solution isn't rocket science, it is simply discipline.

A factor that I am sure is another reason Emirati teachers are leaving their jobs.

Discipline starts at home and is reinforced by teachers at school, not the other way around.

Globally keeping children off technology is a problem, but the blame is solely on the parents/ siblings who bought them the items in the first place and who do not lead by example by not being glued to their own devices 24/7.

Children imitate parent behaviour, so if parents don’t spend time reading quietly, indulging in creative activities, encouraging family entertainment through board games, then you will reap what you sow – a dysfunctional society in the long term.

Name withheld by request

The solution is pretty simple – put a limit on usage on electronic devices or simply take them away. It works fine with my children.

Nicole Reischl Hughes, Abu Dhabi

Select words more carefully

I was very surprised to see the term "deaf and dumb" in an article about disabled Iraqis in Fallujah (Iraq's deaf, dumb and disabled forgotten in the conflict, June 17).

This is an offensive, archaic term that certainly does nothing to overcome the existing stereotypes about special needs individuals who live in this country. When referring to deaf individuals who do not speak, please use the more appropriate and precise term, “deaf mute” in the future.

Jessica Fuller, Dubai

Small penalty for a big offence

It's surprising that the Egyptian driver who hit Noorallah Salash was only fined Dh2,000 for reckless driving (Eight-year-old hit by reckless driver has a long road to recovery, June 22). The fine should have been Dh200,000. And even then the driver would be getting away lightly. If the punishment doesn't fit the crime, driving standards here will never improve.

Name withheld by request

Employees face pressure

It's true that employees who escape redundancy and reshuffles can suffer from mental health issues and a drop in workplace productivity (Companies axing staff warned over 'survivor syndrome' affecting those left behind, June 21).

Many are becoming paranoid about every little thing – an unanswered email or an unreturned phone call. They are constantly living under pressure, trying to hide themselves from the sights of the authorities.

There is no stability anywhere, so this stress is unavoidable. Hence, productivity is bound to come down.

Sus Con, Dubai

There is also increased work pressure – survivors now have to do the work for those who have been removed. All in all, it’s quite a messy situation.

Arif Khan, Dubai