My 7 year old is a dream. Top marks at school and everything he does. Takes parts in lots of sports and different activities. He is mad about gaming, my Xbox, I pad and his wii u. Lately mostly after playing an hour or so ( and sometimes during the night whilst sleeping) he will come downstairs crying saying everything is loud. Even just now I told him to sit out the back in the quiet garden, but the sound of the birds is too noisy and even his speech is too much for him. Anyone got any ideas on this? It does seem to only arise out of video game playing, and he is sat a good 6ft from TV in his room. Going to have to cut it down to about 30-40 mins max I think. 5 mins later after lying on the couch it has passed. Any advice would be appreciated
Hiya,
Having worked for two decades with young people via the medium of computers and computer games in particular and having been part of funded studies into the effects of computer games on young people I would make a few points.
1. Young people love computer games and IT in general and its a great way of engaging them in many topics they would shy away from.
2. There should be a limit of 1 hour of screen time for younger kids > 11
3. ALWAYS have other light in the room when using any sort of TV/Computer screen, natural light is best. Dont block out light as it has serious impacts on the eyes and the way that a young brain focusses.
4. If possible, with younger kids try to be part of the gaming experience.
5. Stop any screen time at least an hour before a kid goes to bed.
These may all seem to be common sense but its truly amazing how many people lack it when it comes to gaming and kids.
On the hypersensitivity side of things one of our sons is on the autistic spectrum, and what you describe is exactly how he sued to react (not brought on by computer games) to the world around him. Although I am certainly not saying autism is the reason for your sons behaviour it's commonly understood that young people on the spectrum often suffer from massively more sensitive senses that is 'normal'.
( Does your son feel most comfortable when he is wears fewer clothes? If he does it might indicate hypersensitive skin too.)
If I were you I would tell him he has to stop games for a week as you want to help him with the things that make him cry and if there is still a problem then you know its not limited to that. My guess will be that once you do that his sleep pattern etc will fall back in to place.
Of course, as the people on the 111 service would say to you, if you have any concerns take him to your GP.
If you need a private chat about this please feel free to PM me.
Andy M
