AUG 16 2000

Right values go a longer way

I REFER to the issues raised by Mr Kelvin Tan in his letter, ""Reading benefits kids, even if it's Potter'' (ST, Aug 15).

He made a good point that negative influences can come in less desirable forms -- computer games, televisions shows and movies -- than books, specifically Harry Potter.

In the Internet age, where information flows freely and rapidly, it takes more than a ban on books by school libraries or at home, or verbal discouragement, to protect our youths from negative influences.

Firstly, we can never ban everything. A book that cannot be borrowed from the library can be purchased from the bookstore.

Even if it cannot be bought locally, I am sure it can be obtained online.

Secondly, we can never police the influx of information successfully.

The television series Charmed and the computer game Diablo 2 were other potential sources of negative influence which Mr Tan cited. I would add to that list games, shows and books which have violent, vulgar or sexual themes. Parents and teachers might have overlooked these.

Worse, there may have been a double standard at play when the popular Harry Potter books were picked upon, while others were ignored.

A teacher or parent may be commended for making the difficult and unpopular decision of banning or discouraging children from reading Harry Potter, in the interest of the kids.

However, it would be far more ideal to impart life-long, positive values to our youth, so that they can discern fact from fiction, good from evil and right from wrong.

That way, come what may, our youth are unlikely to be swayed from the right path.

MLVYN LIM WAN CHYE

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