logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2021
25m 26s

Can computer games improve mental health...

Bbc World Service
About this episode
<p>Apart of Me is a computer game that has been designed to help young people process grief. It’s part of a movement that’s bringing together psychology and gaming. Whilst many parents worry about the distraction of games consoles and smart phones, some psychologists believe they can be used as a force for good. We meet the therapist who sets their cli ... Show More
Up next
Jul 8
Cutting food waste
Food waste is one of the biggest environmental and economic challenges we face — and much of it happens long before the food reaches our plates. In this episode, we meet the people working to tackle the problem in different ways. We hear about the smart sensors which could help c ... Show More
23m 24s
Jul 1
The traffic lights tackling poverty
Despite a lot of progress in the last few decades, more than a billion people still live in acute poverty, according to the UN. Many don’t have access to basic needs like food, water, shelter and clothing. We look at an innovative project in Paraguay where people identify their o ... Show More
23m 17s
Jun 24
What to do with stray animals
How the numbers of stray dogs - and feral pigeons - can be kept down kindly in urban areas. From street dogs to feral pigeons, many towns and cities are having to deal with exploding bird and animal populations which can pose risks to health and safety. This week we take a look a ... Show More
23m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
How video games can help kids learn and grow, with Susan Rivers, PhD
Video games get a bad rap -- but the right games can be a tool to reach kids and teach them important social emotional and academic skills. Susan Rivers, PhD, chief scientist at the nonprofit iThrive Games, talks about how to design games that are both entertaining and educationa ... Show More
30m 52s
Jul 2022
The Video Game Treatment
What if instead of pills to cure what ails you, you were prescribed a video game? Over at Akili Interactive, researchers are trying to do just that. EndeavorRX is the first ever FDA approved video game for medical treatment, in this case for ADHD in children. We dive into the sci ... Show More
27m 14s
May 2022
76. Is Gaming Good for You?
Jane McGonigal designed a game to help herself recover from a traumatic brain injury — and she thinks playing games can help us all lead our best lives. 
41m 49s
Jan 2023
Why Family Games Deliver More Benefits Than Just a Good Time
It's not all fun and games! Dr. Debi Gilboa (AKA Dr. G) explains how playing games together creates family bonds and lifelong memories — plus so much more you might not even know.In this episode, we talk about... Different types of games and how they strengthen developing brains ... Show More
33m 3s
Apr 2023
451- Addictive Technology and Its Impact on Teen Brains
Video games, social media, and technology in general are designed to be addictive. Jeremy Edge, LPC, explains why this can be particularly problematic for adolescents with ADHD, and how to instill healthy screen habits in your teen. 
1h 1m
Sep 2022
The Role of Technology in Mental Health Care with Isaac Galatzer-Levy, PhD
"There is a company called NightWare, that developed a feature for PTSD that uses components from Apple Watch. One of the primary symptoms in PTSD is intense nightmares which are very distressing, they disrupt their sleep and really drive a lot of symptomatology. This company cre ... Show More
59m 38s
Dec 2021
Healthy Tips to Navigate Social Media and Video Games with Your Children with Dr. Brian Smith - Holistic Plastic Surgery Show #269
Digital technology is uber-present in our society, and especially with our children. On average, adolescents are spending three hours a day gaming and even more than that on social media. So how do we teach our children to navigate digital technology in a safe and healthy way? On ... Show More
33m 30s
Apr 2021
Are Mental Health Apps Safe?
At last count, there were over 300 mental health-related apps in the app stores. With this many, how do you choose? How do they differ from each other, and do they actually help? Most importantly, how do we know which ones are safe? On today’s episode, we discuss mental health ap ... Show More
25m 38s
May 2023
How to Harness Brain Energy for Mental Health with Dr. Chris Palmer
Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist with a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise in the field of mental health. Having faced mental health challenges himself, Dr. Palmer has a unique understanding and empathy for those who struggle with mental illness. His deter ... Show More
1h 16m
Feb 2021
Can “brain training” games sharpen your mental skills? With Aaron Seitz, PhD
Who among us wouldn’t want to improve his or her brain? To see better, to hear better or to improve one'​s memory? The field of brain training has attracted controversy as commercial companies have heavily marketed brain training products that aren’t necessarily backed by science ... Show More
26m 21s