Recognising computer addiction in adolescents

When trying to determine whether a child is addicted to computer games
or the Internet, parents should not only consider the amount of time
the child spends at it.
This is according to Klaus Woelfling, co-director of the Outpatient
Gambling Addiction Department at Mainz University Medical Centre's
Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy.
More important, said Mr. Woelfling in an interview with DPA , are the
situations, in which adolescents sit in front of acomputer screen —
"for example, when they're stressed or have personal problems." Some
addicts spend a constant amount of time in front of a computer, but
that period is of heightened intensity.
"This means they feel an urge to use their computer on a particular
occasion, or always at the same time," said Mr. Woelfling, adding
there was no clear-cut line between addiction and non-addiction.
A further sign of addiction is preoccupation. If parentsfeel their
child's life revolves around computer games or online chats,
theyshould speak to the child about it, he said.
"If, when out with their child, parents realise the child is getting
restless andbadly wants to go home tothe computer, they should ask,
'Why is it so importantto you right now?'" Mr. Woelfling advised.
Parents should not be reproachful. This increases their chancesof
gaining insight into howthe child thinks.
Computer addicts display withdrawal symptoms when denied access to a
PC. "Parents might receive threats if the PC is removedfrom the
child's room," Mr. Woelfling noted. This previously unknown side of
the child shocks parents,he said.
Confronted with their addiction, addicts typically deny that they have
a problem. So parents shouldproceed cautiously and describe their
impressions only. It is better to say, "I think you've got an
addictive disorder" than "You've got a real addiction," Mr. Woelfling
said.
If signs point to an addiction, parents should try to take their child
to a counselling centre. A conversation will then determine whether
the child is ready for treatment. "You can't treat anyone against his
or her will, though," Mr. Woelflingsaid.