AUG 15 2000

Reading benefits kids, even if it's Potter

READING about how Mr Peter Tan, principal of Anglo Chinese (Junior), discourages his students from reading Harry Potter certainly reminded me of my primary school days, when we were strongly discouraged from playing games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, for similar reasons.

The Harry Potter books stimulate the imagination of readers, which is clearly much needed in Singapore as we move to a knowledge-based economy.

If Mr Tan is worried about the ""anti-Christian'' influence in the Harry Potter books, perhaps he should first define clearly the influences that are considered ""anti-Christian''.

He should also be concerned about the television serial, Charmed, for it ""encourages'' viewers to consult ouija boards and believe in good witches.

Mr Tan should be aware, too, that many teenagers are playing the computer game, Diablo 2, with similar ""anti-Christian'' influences.

My point is that both the television and the Internet are competing strongly for the attention of children.

If the Harry Potter books can motivate them to sit down and read, instead of playing computer games and watching television excessively, I think that is certainly a piece of good news.

Reading benefits them so much more than all these alternatives.

KELVIN TAN TUAN WEI

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