Virtual pets pose real health risk

Adding to the debate over electronic pets, a Chinese expert says they make children lonely. Playing with computer pets can create obstacles to developing normal social connections, Sun Yunxiao of the Chinese Youth Research Center told the official Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese schools banned electronic pets last month after teachers said they were too distracting. The egg-size toys require owners to press buttons periodically to feed and care for the pets, which include dogs, cats, dinosaurs and other creatures.Chinese schools banned electronic pets last month after teachers said they were too distracting. The egg-size toys require owners to press buttons periodically to feed and care for the pets, which include dogs, cats, dinosaurs and other creatures.

"Children who are obsessed with the pets usually care less about others and are more likely to get angry over minor conflicts and look for ways to get revenge," Mr Sun was paraphrased as saying.