'What's a necessity in modern living?' poll discussion

Devonian_Rodders

Internet Access.

Many of the forum contributors consider 'Computers with Internet Access' are not a part of everyday living.
Most newspaper and TV adverts contain web addresses or telephone numbers, which to them is a cheaper form of advertising. Yes you can go to a public library or internet cafe, so long as you are prepared to wait for a computer to become available.
I am not an advocate of Internet, but technology is in place to make us use it. Without it we would not be able to view Martins Newsletter when published.

bulletproof_1979

jeanmd wrote: »

I agree games consoles and pc are not evil, used right they are very good. Where I don't agree is that they are a neccessity and that a child is deprived without them.

I'd agree with you on the games console. I think it's a "nice to have", if you can afford one and your kid really wants it.

However I have to reiterate that kids without a computer and regular internet access are definitely at a massive disadvantage compared to those without. Knowledge and confidence with computers only comes through regular access to it. The internet offers kids a massively useful resource for learning. Having IT skills opens up many more career options in the real world.

Then of course there's the moneysaving side of things - most goods and services can be bought online for a fraction of the price you'd pay on the high street (that's before you even factor in sites such as this one!) It's comparible to owning a washing machine in a way - the initial cost is offset by the savings and benefits you get in the long run.

Those without these facilities are deprived when compared to the normal standard of living in this country.

bitemebankers

Forget the kids, internet access is pretty much essential for *anyone* these days. You're at a massive disadvantage without.

Saying "oh well just use the library" is like saying use a laundrette instead of having a washing machine. Certainly, the internet is *way* more important than the telly, imho.

rag31

KimYeovil wrote: »

The primary question is why does anyone think that a family with children can not afford all of these? (Excluding the satellite tv package.) Levels of benefits are such it is simply not possible that a family with children under the age of 17 can not afford to participate fully in society. That some parents may not manage their incomes judiciously is a separate issue.

Ha ha ha ha ha.

I can only presume you have never tried to feed, clothe and house a family on benefits.

star_trek_fan

Devonian_Rodders wrote: »

Internet Access.

Many of the forum contributors consider 'Computers with Internet Access' are not a part of everyday living.
Most newspaper and TV adverts contain web addresses or telephone numbers, which to them is a cheaper form of advertising. Yes you can go to a public library or internet cafe, so long as you are prepared to wait for a computer to become available.
I am not an advocate of Internet, but technology is in place to make us use it. Without it we would not be able to view Martins Newsletter when published.

OH was out of work for nearly 10 months after being laid off last October, I'm unable to work due to poor health. We live in a village with a 15 mile round trip to the local library and job centre, bus service not brilliant so have to use a car. Because we couldn't afford the petrol, shopping day and all the other errands had to coincide with signing-on day.
Most employers require you to submit online applications, most jobs are advertised online so computer and internet access are essential. The job he has now was only advertised online, so he would have missed it.
We have been without hot water and central heating since last October as we can never save up enough money for oil and don't have an immersion, but we have a kettle and an electric fire, lots of jumpers and blankets so we managed.
Curiously, I've enjoyed the challenge of cutting back and seeing just how little money we can get by on. This would have been so much harder without the computer for research.

Reverbe

LadyGooGoo wrote: »

It ?


Re: The washing machine. I live alone and still manage to accrue six or seven loads a week - more in winter. Sometimes I can hardly carry it all to the kitchen, so I can't imagine having to carry it to the bus stop, and then at the other end struggle with it to the launderette.

That kind of hardship is what I find "unnecessary" in this day and age.

wow 6 or 7 loads a week for one person!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

Have to add re fridge freezer.. this has also broken in the last few weeks and we cannot afford to replace /fix (not that anyone repairs them) and this is an absolute essential. Buying every day costs more , milk etc has to be thrown out before used up, you are severely limited as to what you can buy /eat, shopping every day takes time, you cant buy offers and keep them for later/freeze etc.

Jacks_xxx

KimYeovil wrote: »

The primary question is why does anyone think that a family with children can not afford all of these? (Excluding the satellite tv package.) Levels of benefits are such it is simply not possible that a family with children under the age of 17 can not afford to participate fully in society. That some parents may not manage their incomes judiciously is a separate issue.

Lots of people who are in work cannot afford all of the things on the list! Most of the children who live below the poverty line in this country have at least one working parent.

Based on my personal experience of the levels of benefits, and my work at the CAB, I know that it is entirely possible that a family on benefits with children under the age of 17 would not be able to participate fully in society.

The hysterical stories about benefits paid to families we read in the tabloids are usually exaggerated and about people in very unusual circumstances. Usually a good half of the amount quoted is going on just keeping a roof over their head, and they include child benefit that everyone gets just to bump up the total. Those stories are not at all the norm for the millions of people on benefits.

I have met loads of lovely people who genuinely thought some terrible mistake had occurred when they were told the small amounts of money they were entitled to on benefits. Many were absolutely convinced that if they could just "play the system" a bit better their family would be coining it in "like those people in the paper". It's just not true.

LadyGooGoo_2

Reverbe wrote: »

wow 6 or 7 loads a week for one person!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

What can I say, I'm a girl! I do 1) Bedding, 2) and 3)Towels and dressing gown, 4) Darks. 5) Whites, 6) Delicates 7) The cats beds and blankets, and there's quite often curtains, cushion covers, sofa throws, or spare bedding cos somebody stayed over. It's always a lot less than a family I imagine.

Jacks_xxx wrote: »

Absolutely. Between 4% and 10% of children under 17 are living with a disability, depending on what criteria for disability you use. I imagine that for lots of disabled children a games console might be a very important for peer bonding and for their self esteem as somewhere they can play and compete with other children on a more level playing field.

I hope your little cousin gets well soon.

Thanks Jacks, :A Why between 4 and 10%?

Jacks_xxx

LadyGooGoo wrote: »

Thanks Jacks, :A Why between 4 and 10%?

It depends on what criteria they are using to define disability. Some only include physical disability and some add some mental disabilities, and some include everything right up to learning difficulties.

mynameisT

I haven't watched TV or heard news or read papers for months. I feel better and saner and more in balance mentally.. internet however is a freedom of choice for me to watch and hear what I like.. not the rubbish and lies that they have on TV.