thanks tinu for the interesting topic. i actually read in the sydney morning herald today that kids are spending just as much time being active today as they were 12 years ago, despite tv, dvds, PS, XBox and the like. but that does not mean kids aren't getting fatter.
my opinion is that the reason kids are getting fatter is not so much to do with being active as it is to do with what they eat. i remember when i was a kid McDonalds was a special treat we might get 2 or 3 times a year. with the increase in fast and convenience foods, and the decrease in time people have because of balancing work and family, this kind of stuff is becoming daily fodder for the kids. not good for a growing boy or girl.
i think as long as a kid has access to stuff like computers and internet, they generally catch on pretty quick, regardless of if they are a jock or not. most kids even know how to operate things they may not own, but a friend does, such as an iPod or mobile phone. as a rule, its generally the oldies that get left behind with all this stuff.
i think kids should be out playing rugby or soccer or riding their bikes. unfortunately, people have become more and more fearful in society, and a lot of parents won't even let their child walk the three blocks to school because of fear of the child getting hit by a car. kids have lots of energy and need to wear themselves out running around and playing.
anyhow, back to the issue of technology, my general conclusion is that all kids are generally up to speed with Googling and the like, but the greater issue is access to these technologies, rather than if they would rather be out playing soccer (which i think is a good thing).
