Internet Obsession Blamed for Neglect

[Kadie]

Internet Obsession Blamed for Neglect

Saturday, July 14, 2007
(07-14) 18:54 PDT Reno, Nev. (AP) --

A couple authorities say were so obsessed with the Internet and video games that they left their babies starving and suffering other health problems have pleaded guilty to child neglect.

The children of Michael and Iana Straw, a boy age 22 months and a girl age 11 months, were severely malnourished and near death last month when doctors saw them after social workers took them to a hospital, authorities said. Both children are doing well and gaining weight in foster care, prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

snip...
Viloria said the Reno couple were too distracted by online video games, mainly the fantasy role-playing "Dungeons & Dragons" series, to give their children proper care.

"They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games," Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Police said hospital staff had to shave the head of the girl because her hair was matted with cat urine. The 10-pound girl also had a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration.

Her brother had to be treated for starvation and a genital infection. His lack of muscle development caused him difficulty in walking, investigators said.

more...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/07/14/national/a182613D54.DTL&tsp=1

[Old and In the Way]

1. It's the internet's fault!

Not really....they'd have found something else to preoccupy themselves with if the 'net wasn't around. How about not making excuses for people's criminal behavior?

[CookCountyResident]

5. I used to work in the "Gamer" industry

and would see the addicted at the various GameCons. Some looked like they hadn't slept in days or seen the light of day in months.

[Marrah_G]

7. I know gamers that stay up for days at a time racng to level

And of course there are the Korean players that have dropped dead in internet cafes from lack of food, drink and water.

Game addiction is a real thing. I've gamed online for a long time and have seen people lose jobs, drop out of college and lose their marriages and children. Of course it isn't everyone, but just like some people can drink occassionally, others end up becoming alcohlics. The is alot of similarity between the two.

Games, like alcohol are not inherently bad. Some people just cannot do it in moderation.

[Deja Q]

2. Once the kids come, they are #1 responsibility.

Maybe there should be tests done to disqualify people who wouldn't make good parents?

[Skittles]

3. this is silly

I'd say the problem is parents with extreme mental issues, not f***ing VIDEO GAMES

[Horse with no Name]

4. I wonder if they have video game detox in jail

:shrug:

[aquaman]

6. As a clinical social worker............

These types of stories are pure horror, but at the same time NOTHING shocks me anymore in regards to how stupid people can be. I hug my kid every day and thank God for him and that he will not ever have to worry about food, shelter, good parents, etc. My heart goes out to the children in this story. I hope the parents rot.