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ADDICTION TO MOBILE GAMES (By Thomas Lirio)

Have you ever spent the night playing mobile games? Have you ever felt motivated when doing it? Have you ever forgot other businesses because of this? Well, many teenagers do.  

Mobile gaming addiction has been a growing concern that increases the user's risk for physical and psychological health problems. Video game addiction is part of the so-called Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and is often associated with Gambling Addiction. In general, IGD has been linked to a poorer academic performance of students in educational institutions. However, a study conducted in 2016 revealed that there is no relationship between smartphone addiction risk and academic performance. This denotes a disparity on the result of academic performance between IGD and mobile phone addiction.

According to Jed Songco, 17, “I have experienced being addicted to mobile games specifically Mobile Legends. I play this game usually after classes or during the night but I do not let it affect my academics. I set aside playing this game when I have assignments or any requirements.”

As far as the previous studies are concerned, no studies have been conducted which determines whether mobile game addiction is a causal factor for the academic performance of students. It is now the objective of the present studies to determine whether both can negatively affect the academic performance of students.

According to Ernst Aton, 17, “I am addicted to a mobile game. Although, I am considered as an all-time gamer, gaming never really affected my academic learning. I play games because I believe they help me improve my brain skills and coordination. I play different kinds of games because it is where my happy place and personally, a game is now much better than reality.”

With the vastness that modern technologies provide, we cannot tell how much we value the manifestations it gives to us. However, what we can only do is to balance, limit, and control ourselves from this kind of addiction because it might replace us sooner or later.

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HOPE IN THE MIDST OF CONTRACTUALIZATION(By Noriel Gatela)

 Endo. Contractual. Unemployment.

Perhaps these three aforementioned terms are really substandard when it comes to the status of the local workers especially the young ones here in the Philippines. If we could recall what Pres. Duterte has stated on his campaign saying that he would stop the intensely rooted practice of contractualization, it would be worth questioning now if why does this issue still rampant and continues to disrupt the livelihood and employment of the many workers

Nesvie Gatela, 22, who happens to be a tourist guide in an amusement park, has only given five (5) months of contract. With the sweat and voice she poured out every single day, she just managed to collect a little amount of money. She also relies on the tip that tourists give to her. It is very disappointing on her part because stable jobs are hard to find. “I’ve had 2 jobs, and these were contractual ones. My co-workers are also struggling to sustain their family’s needs. Right now, I just wish that the president will sign the law disabling the contractualization,” she said.

However, the Department of Labor and Employment testified that thousands of workers have already been regularized. Unfortunately, many are still not satisfied with it especially that the anti-endo bill was vetoed by the president.

Now, the questions are: When will they get a stable occupation? Where will they get a good livelihood program? Local workers have gone very far but the pain they get when their contract ends, keep on haunting with themselves and their respective families.

Labor companies should not let phase dictate the capacity to work. Teenagers and millennials may be young, but their dedication in providing something on their own is admirable. Like what Nesvie said, we should all hope and urge the government to fix this issue as soon as possible. 

We cannot afford to lose passionate workers who value self-determination, patience, and industriousness.

Save local workers. End Contractualization. Stable Employment for all!

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BULLYING ONLINE AND OFF  (By Kevin Turqueza)

Bullying and cyber bullying are two major problems that young teens and adults have. These two things are not the same, but they do in fact intersect one another. Lots of people are committing suicide every year just because of this problem. It starts online then it can lead to neighborhoods or even at your own house. An important key to know if you’re being bullied, is to talk to someone about it, don’t keep it to yourself.

According to Chariz Andrei Campoy,17, “I’ve already heard some offensive lines while growing up. The statements like “You’re not that smart,” and “You are just a daughter of a teacher,” are some of these. However, I just keep on mind that real people treat animals well and I don't make retaliation to them. I keep my head held high.”

When people are being bullied online or on campus, it hurts them and they can go into the stage of stress or depression. They might feel lost and they don’t know what to do about it. That’s when they can’t trust anyone, and they become lonely. The worst part of it is when people find them dead. It’s a tragedy! Many people and family members have lots of unanswered questions. Of course, everyone wants to know who is involved on that tragedy. Parents and teachers need to be more aware when it comes to being bullied. No matter if it’s online or on school grounds. If teachers or faculty members see someone getting bullied they should take the bullies to the principal’s office for a talk on the harm they are causing. The same thing goes for parents, if they know that their child or children are being bullied, they need to do something about it and be aware always.

According to Charleen Molina, 18, “I’ve already experienced being a victim of bullying.  Being borne with a mole on my face, they often tease and laugh me saying "what's on her face?". At some point, I decided it to be removed, but my parents insisted that “You are no longer Charleen if you will remove that.” It was until then that I realized how this flaw of mine is considered to be an asset and a trademark of living.”

Chariz and Charleen are an epitome of having the right kind of notion towards bullying. In this world full of insecurities, they showed what the inner power has to offer. Above all, it’s really important to think before you post anything personal about yourself online. In short, think before you click.

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PEER PRESSURE (By Frances Joy Bernales)

Making good mates is important, but sometimes trying to fit in with a group can turn sour. Giving in to pressure from your friends to do something you normally wouldn't do can leave you feeling guilty, regretful, ashamed, embarrassed or even frightened. Find out what peer pressure is.

Wanting to feel part of something can put pressure on you to act in certain ways. If you’re doing something you wouldn’t normally do, or are not doing something you’d like to do, simply so that you’ll be accepted by the people you hang out with, you’re suffering from peer pressure.

One of those who experienced having peer pressure is Troy Molina, who didn’t have any friends to be with before because he thought that being alone is the best way to solve a problem. However, it turned out to be the exact opposite. He then decided to find some friends. He didn't realize that it is hard to make one because he is an absolute introvert, but because he was willing enough, he swallowed his pride and went on it. He made a successful attempt and right now, he has friends. But things weren't going too well because they’re starting to put a lot of pressure in him. At one point, they want him to try smoking. He doubted at first, but because they were his friends, he accepted their offer and became addicted to it eventually. Troy has regretted on the temptation he had given in.

On the other side, peer pressure can also be in a positive way. A lot of achievers I met are affected with the way their friends behave, think, and act. They are inspiring each other as they raise into the occasion.

Truly, peer pressure is relevant in the society and it is in our hands if we want to absorb that pressure inside our bodies. We have the right to choose whether we want to give in or not. As for Troy, it created a negative impact on his personality, but the real goodness of his character remains to be stable.

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STRESS: BREAKING ITS SPELL (By Apple Batalla)

Most textbooks define stress as the process by which we appraise and cope with environmental threats and challenges. Stress is also defined as your body’s way of responding to any given demand and could either be bad or good depending on the circumstances. Stress is everywhere and a part of our lives. We live with it, deal with it, and above all, worry about it. Different things are the sources of stress and it includes the environment, our psychological minds, physiological, organizational, and social life and not everyone deals with the same level of stress.

Many students feel a sense of need to relieve stress, and were pressured to perform well in school. They are also stressed out about their grades and how much homework they have and to be good at different areas in school. With all of the activities and responsibilities that they have, it's sometimes difficult to find the time to try new stress relievers to help eradicate or lessen that stress.

According to Maxenne Castillo,17, "I started to have no time for myself and for my family because of stress. Stress made me overly sensitive of things and it kills me. Because of stress, I don't have time to relax." Stress deprived everyone to have freedom. People became slaves of stress to the point that they can't even find time for themselves. She also added, "Stress made me look haggard."

Stress has negative effects to all of us. It deprived us of things, made us tired, and sometimes kills us. However, stress shouldn't be the reason why we lack time for ourselves and to our family. We need to learn how to manage and balance stress. We need to go through it and continue to walk on our own path. Always remember, it is just stress; we are humans. We are more above than stress and we shouldn't let it affect us negatively.