To the editor:

Many teenagers in Lawrence use the public library on a very regular basis, and that is fantastic. I do question, though, their use of the computers.

There used to be a time limit on how long they could be on the computer and what sites they visited. I still hope the sites they visit and the games, particularly questionable “war games,” are monitored. Some of the games are really too violent, even though they might rate them as PG.

Our children need to be reading appropriate age-level books and spending minimal time on computers and technology in general. We are going to have a generation that is lost as far as communication goes and as far as being in better health. Excessive time on the computer does hurt your eyes, and more time is needed for each child to be outdoors, especially when the weather is nice, doing some sort of outside activity, be it bike riding, rollerblading, basketball, tennis, Frisbee or just walking the trails in Lawrence.

When communication through texting, blogging, etc., is used, a certain amount of personal awareness is lost. You cannot see a smile or a frown, hand moving or perhaps even tears of grief or joy on a computer. And, if so much time is spent on violent or war games, an indifference develops.

Children could even be out helping others, volunteering, rather than on computers or texting all day. There needs to be a move toward compassion toward others, not vengeance or revenge, which some video games display.