A PSP handheld video game console almost killed a 10-year-old boy in Milan today. Oh yes, it's true. Could this be a wake-up call that our constant exposure to and dependency on technology is putting our lives in danger?
The young gamer was so engrossed in killing birds or shooting torpedoes on his portable screen that he fell several feet off of a platform and right next to the train tracks. Thankfully, an off-duty policeman named Alessandro Micalizzi quickly jumped down to lift the little boy to safety.
Sure, we all had a good laugh a couple of weeks ago watching Cathy Cruz Marrero, the woman who took a spill in to a mall fountain, because she was so engaged in whatever she was doing on her smart phone. That was pretty pathetic, because, I mean, how could she not have seen that HUGE fountain in her path? Still, friends and I have all agreed that it was ridiculous how no one jumped to her rescue! But, thankfully, that wasn't really a nearly fatal incident.
On the other hand, this PSP incident makes my heart jump out of my chest and my brain go, "OMG WHAT?!" I have a lot of questions, though! Like, where was this kid's guardian, and why did he think it was such a good idea to walk even that close to the edge of the platform? But those concerns aside, the fact that he was so immersed in a portable video game brings to light so many worries about the technology itself.
We should all know by now that it is totally idiotic to text and drive. (FYI: If you're one of those fools I see swerving between lanes, because you need to send a sext to your booty call, well, I have nothing to say to you other than a lot of angry obscenities I'll refrain from spewing here.) Since we already acknowledge that it's dangerous to multi-task with technology on the road, maybe it's about time we realize that it's just not safe to walk and game or walk and text/e-mail/IM, etc.?
Kids especially should be trained to practice "Mobile Device Safety." In other words, to focus their sight on where they're going -- not how many levels they've beaten in Gods Eater Burst! (Oh, yes, apparently that is the real name of a forthcoming PSP game ... ** shudder **)
See the nasty incident for yourself and then weigh in ... Do you think portable technology is putting our safety at risk?
Image via yngrich/Flickr
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Comments 62
If the parents do a good job, then they should know not to immitate what they play. Its common sense.
Obviously there are parents who won't bother keeping track of what their kids play. lazy parenting.
Again, people's lack of accountability for their own actions. It'll never end......
I have to agree with the majority. The kid and his guardian are to blame. Not the electronic.
i agree it isn't the games fault. As someone commented, I read and walk all the time especially around campus, and if I crash or fall, I won't be cursing the book...
I agree that you can't blame just technology. I think the child's parents should
have told him to quit playing as he was walking.
where were the guardians of this boy? Why didn't they keep an eye on him? No, I do not blame technology, I blame the users...or in this case, the guardians. I think they will be more aware of where the kids are now. Neglect!!!
Its not the fault of the game, its the fault of the parent and the kid. Its not a guarantee but 9x's out of 10, SOMEONE told that kid not to walk with that thing. Kids dont listen n parents dont pay attention & this was the outcome.
@ bymyself, i use to read and walk all the time. Its just not much of this generation read at all.
first off were is the mom???? and my kids play when we are out but i make sure they stop playing when there walking and always tell pay attention because something bad can happen......i think its the parents to blame not the game......