Teachers claim computer games damage children: Most pupils 'have easy access to unsuitable videos'

THREE-QUARTERS of teachers believe playing computer games and watching unsuitable videos is damaging their pupils, according to a report published today.

The report, which will increase public concern about the influence of new entertainment technologies, says that one-fifth of primary teachers surveyed and almost twice as many secondary teachers knew children who were addicted to the hobby.

The Professional Association of Teachers surveyed 833 members across the country. More than half said the games made pupils tired and inattentive. Two-fifths said they made children aggressive and about one-fifth said the pastime impeded their academic progress.

One teacher said: 'The sole topic of conversation is TV, videos or computer games.' Another said: 'Their stories are written about Nintendo characters - they have no other hobbies.' A third teacher reflected a common worry, saying: 'Parents use the games as a form of child-minding.'

According to the survey, teachers believed there was ready access to 'unsuitable' videos for almost two-thirds of children at primary school, more than three-quarters at secondary school and almost two-thirds of pupils aged 16 or older.

Seven per cent of primary teachers, 14 per cent of secondary teachers, and 18 per cent of sixth-form teachers said they had evidence to show that an 'increasing amount' of pornography was circulating among pupils.

The report's findings come amid growing concern about the effects of electronic games and sexually explicit and violent films. Two months ago the computer games industry bowed to pressure to introduce stickers giving film-style age ratings on games. Last week Michael Howard, the Home Secretary, announced tougher penalties for those found renting 'ultra-violent' videos to the under-aged.

But the PAT report suggests children are encouraged to watch such films by their parents. Many pupils had televisions in their bedrooms and access to X-rated films left lying around by relatives.

It also reveals a culture in which video nasties were highly prized items to barter or sell. Teachers said children had easy access to pirate videos from market stalls and car- boot sales and saved up for them, often encouraged by parents. When teachers mentioned at parents' evenings that pupils were watching such films, some parents shrugged it off. One primary teacher said: 'I've heard children under seven say they watch with their uncles and cousins who are aged 18 to 25.'

Teachers said violent films were destroying innocence and giving children nightmares. Some teachers saw signs of sexual confusion, listlessness and hyperactivity. Others said pupils were simulating sex in the playground. Asked by a teacher to pick her favourite film from the Christmas holidays, one eight-year-old chose Silence of the Lambs.

The Street of the Pied Piper; Professional Association of Teachers; 2 St James Court, Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1BT.

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