The parenting approach by a father in China of making an 11-year-old child play video games continuously for 17 hours without any breaks as a form of punishment is highly concerning and potentially harmful. While it may have been intended as a way to teach the child a lesson about excessive gaming, this method is not only ineffective but also poses serious risks to the child’s well-being.
Prolonged screen time, especially without breaks for rest and sleep, can have adverse effects on a child’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall development. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and impaired cognitive function, negatively affecting the child’s performance in school and other activities.
Using video games, which are meant to be recreational, as a form of punishment sends mixed messages to the child and may create a negative association with gaming, leading to potential resentment or rebellion. Effective discipline should focus on teaching positive behavior and guiding children to make responsible choices rather than resorting to extreme and potentially harmful tactics.
A more balanced approach to addressing excessive screen time would involve open communication, setting reasonable limits on device usage, and encouraging the child to engage in a variety of activities, both indoors and outdoors. It is essential for parents to lead by example and establish healthy habits when it comes to technology use.
