113: Healthy Gaming with Dr. Alok Kanojia

In this episode, Dr. Alok Kanojia joins me to discuss video games and healthy gaming for our kiddos. Dr. Kanojia is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in the intersection of technology x mental health. Also known as ”Dr. K” to millions of people on the internet, Dr. Kanojia is the co-founder of Healthy Gamer, a mental health platform that serves the gaming community.  He has inspired millions of people with online content while overseeing the mental health coaching of thousands of young people. He is widely regarded as the foremost expert on video game addiction and most prominent mental health authority for young people. When he’s offline, he’s usually traveling, gardening, or grilling with his family.   We talk about: [3:05] Dr. K’s background in this space [4:45] Video games for enjoyment vs. addiction  [6:15] What is healthy gaming? [7:40] The brain on ‘gaming addiction’ [10:35] Does TV/screen time fulfill the same dopamine hit? [12:25] How screens give the temporary appearance of regulation [13:35] The impulse to check our phones [15:15] Why kids meltdown each time the screen is taken away [22:20] What kids can do instead of screen time [27:10] Approaching conversations about this with your kids [32:00] Guidelines for gaming in a healthy way [37:00] Types of games to avoid [41:25] The problem with multiplayer games  [44:00] Helping promote the balance of friends in life versus online   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/parentingcourse  https://www.healthygamer.gg/about/hg-parent      Connect with Dr. Alok Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthygamergg/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/dr_alokkanojia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthygamer_gg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthy-gamer/  Other: https://wa.me/message/S4EVN3BAM4TXE1  Website: https://www.healthygamer.gg    Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php