I am a student of Class XI and I love computer games. I am often on the computer for six hours a day. My parents feel that I am wasting time and that I should study during the time that I play. I can’t explain to them that for me, gaming is a way to relax. I also manage to keep my marks up at the same time. Why can’t they be less orthodox about what they think a teenager should do?

Pritam

This is the age when you should learn how to control your desires, your emotions and also learn to communicate. The reason why your parents are against the gaming habit is probably because you have been unable to show them your sense of responsibility and your maturity. They are anxious about your future.

Computer games can be very relaxing and also be modes to ventilate frustration, aggression and other anxieties. You must understand that the games may offer you immediate satisfaction of winning and make you feel powerful, but they really are only virtual tools.

Playing computer games can also improve concentration levels or decrease restlessness, but if played for six hours, as you say you do, they can seriously affect the balance in your daily functioning.

So if you are as responsible as you sound, find out how much time spent on games could actually be beneficial to you.

Then, take your own decision. A last word: life is a game as well — try and win it. All the best.

Carrying a heavy burden? Write to psychologist Ishita Sanyal at t2@abpmail.com