When we think of teens spending hours online playing video games, most parents feel a mix of worry and frustration. But for some youth, especially those facing emotional struggles or feeling isolated from the world, those digital spaces can become unexpected lifelines.
That was the case for 18-year-old Rico Ang from Singapore. After repeating Secondary 1 twice due to a health issue, Rico stopped going to school entirely. He spent over two years at home, feeling left behind and shut out, with his only comfort being his mobile phone and the games he played on it.
“I was just looking for people to talk to,” Rico said.
A Digital Lifeline
How a Video Game and a Discord Chat Helped One Teen Rebuild His Life
Rico joined a Facebook group for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, a popular multiplayer online game. Through that group, he was invited to a Discord server, a kind of group chat hub for gamers. In a simple introduction, he mentioned he wasn’t in school anymore and mostly stayed online.
That small detail opened the door to life-changing support.
The server owner quietly connected Rico with a counsellor named Benjamin Loo, who was also in the chat group. Mr. Loo is a youth worker with the Singapore Children’s Society, and part of a growing number of mental health professionals who are meeting teens where they are online.
Counsellors Who Play Games Too
Mr. Loo didn’t approach Rico with therapy talk or probing questions. He simply played Mobile Legends with him. Over time, their casual gaming chats turned into real conversations about life, about school, family, and Rico’s struggles with self-worth and trust.
This new approach to youth support is part of a broader effort by the Children’s Society’s VOX programme, which runs drop-in centres and also operates a virtual youth space called 2Gather. Created during the Covid-19 lockdowns, 2Gather offers counselling rooms, virtual hangouts, and even a digital dance studio. All inside a safe, monitored online environment.
Ms. Evonne Ng, a social worker with VOX, explained that many young people may not feel ready or able to physically walk into a counselling centre. “But we want to keep in contact and continue to build that developmental relationship with them,” she said.
From Virtual Conversations to Real-Life Change
How a Video Game and a Discord Chat Helped One Teen Rebuild His Life | Photo from Children’s Society
With Mr. Loo’s support, Rico slowly began to rebuild his confidence. He started participating in online group discussions through VOX, joined a Mobile Legends interest group, and even agreed to visit a doctor for his health concerns.
Eventually, he took a brave step: he met Mr. Loo in person.
Today, Rico is back in school, studying for his N levels and hoping to pursue a course in cyber security. It’s a future that seemed nearly impossible just a few years ago.
What Parents Can Take Away
Rico’s story is a powerful reminder that connection comes in many forms. Sometimes, the digital world our kids retreat into can also be a path out of their struggles.
Here are a few key takeaways for parents:
- Digital spaces aren’t always the enemy. For some teens, especially those dealing with anxiety, bullying, or depression, online platforms may be safer and more accessible than face-to-face interactions.
- Connection matters more than control. Instead of trying to control screen time completely, look for ways to understand what your child is doing online, and who they might be connecting with.
- Help can come from unexpected places. Programmes like VOX and digital outreach by youth workers show that support doesn’t always have to start in a clinic or classroom.
- Trust is built slowly. Mr. Loo didn’t “fix” Rico overnight. He started by simply showing up in a game. That consistent presence helped Rico feel safe enough to open up.
In a world where parenting often feels like navigating a digital minefield, Rico’s story reminds us that with the right guidance and compassion, even the most unlikely places can become stepping stones toward healing and growth.
