Adolescents with addictions, sexually transmitted diseases or other embarrassing problems can now get anonymous advice from doctors who have created avitars in the role-playing game Second Life, the Guardian reported May 10.

The Spanish Society for Family and Community Medicine and the Coalition for Citizens with Chronic Illnesses have created a virtual consulting room in Second Life, and real doctors will be on call to offer advice to patients.

"Teenagers do not often go to see the doctor but this is an efficient and amusing tool to reach them because we can both use the same route," said Rosario Jimenez, one of the doctors who will spend up to four hours per week giving consultations to Second Life players. "Even though they do not often suffer serious illnesses, they often expose themselves to risks which can develop into problems in the future. This is a way to talk about their doubts about taking drugs or sexual relations which they cannot do in a traditional consultation."

The consultancy will appear on the Spanish language Isla de Salud; another is planned for chronic illnesses in the coming months.