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What is your recommendation for my son who plays video games for 8 hours?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At July 23, 2020
Reviewed AtApril 30, 2021

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My son is playing games online for 8 hours after having a lockdown. We started being isolated. What to do?

Answered by Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Playing games online has become an addiction. Our interaction with the natural environment has become limited. Follow these measures to help your son. Try to make him realize it and try to talk with your son calmly. Make him understand the side effects of this habit. Habits can be hard to break but you can use plug-ins on his gaming device to remind him to take a break after every hour. You can replace it with a healthy habit. Ask him to do exercise for atleast an hour in the middle of the day. He needs to interact with the natural environment and so you can have lunch or dinner in your backyard. Make him mingle with his friends. Make him do activities along with you such as cooking. Games work on a mechanism of giving rewards after completing a task. You can introduce a similar system if your son does not play for an hour. You reward him with his favorite meal. It is important to understand that arguing, yelling, or scolding him will not help and it leads to negative consequences. You keep reminding him about the harmful effects of this behavior politely.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I liked your ideas such as making him mingle with friends as well as to make him to do an activity together such as cooking.

Answered by Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I think that my suggestions have helped you a lot. This isolation period is very hard for everyone. It is affecting children too. Problems can get aggravated if left untreated. Have counseling and replace his unhealthy habits with healthier ones.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

My daughter is willing to thank you.

Answered by Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is glad to hear. You are most welcome. Try to implement the ideas suggested by me soon.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I will try to do it soon.

Answered by Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Have a follow-up at any time.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

My daughter and son can talk about going back to school in the next couple of weeks.

Answered by Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

They are almost welcome.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I will have follow-up soon.

Answered by Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

My daughter is having tummy acid problems and anxiety sometimes.

Answered by Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I will try to guide you. Kindly provide some detailed information.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I will make my daughter to provide further details regarding her condition.

Answered by Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Ok, have a follow-up at any time.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Hira Chaudhry
Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Family Physician

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