In “Tamagotchi? Our kids deserve real pets” (Op-Ed, Nov. 21), Herbert London is adamant that children become responsible adults, develop real emotions and achieve “satisfaction” through caring for real pets.
Mr. London forgets that many children with asthma and allergies are not allowed to have fur pets in their home because dander, dust and fur irritate the lungs. Asthma affects approximately 2 million children in the U.S., and for many the treatment includes inhaled medications and environmental changes to decrease lung inflammation, wheezing and coughing.
A Tamagotchi gives some of these children a safe avenue to experience caring for a fur pet. Fish, anoles, snakes and other non-fur and feather animals may give a real experience of caring for animals. But for many children, caring for fur animals is like Mom and apple pie, a universal desire. My 7-year-old daughter has asthma and loves her dog and cat Tamagotchi just as much as our pet anole. She cares for them lovingly, being sure to feed, clean and play with them. Just like live pets, caring tasks are forgotten with the Tamagot-chi, and consequences follow.
My daughter clearly knows the difference between “illusion” and reality when it comes to live and cyber animals she cares for. Mr. London needs to realize that each child is an individual with special needs. Broad statements just don’t cut it when it comes to explaining cause and effect; caring for live fur pets does not necessarily promote attachment and genuine emotion. It’s much more complicated than that.
