Run by Consultant psychiatrist Richard Graham it is the result of calls from worried parents whose children, whom Graham regards as ’screenagers,’ fly into a rage when told to turn off their computers/ consoles. In some cases it has been reported that even Police have been contacted to sort out rows with parents regarding such matters.
The new service at Capio Nightingale Hospital, entitled The Young Person Technology Addiction Service, is thought to be the first of its kind within the United Kingdom and will be available to children as young as 12, although those aged between 15 to 17 are seen to be the expected target group.
“Mental health services need to adapt quickly to the changing worlds young people inhabit and understand how seriously their lives can be impaired by unregulated time online, on-screen or in-game,” explains Dr. Graham. “We have found many of the existing services fail to recognise the complexity of these situations, borrowing from older models of addiction and substance misuse to very limited effect.”
Those that seek treatment won’t be taught to give up on technology completely, but will apparently neutralise any problem use. Both physical health and cyber-bullying will be looked at, with the encouragement of off-screen activities to help build confidence within face-to face situations – possibily utilising both group or individual therapy.
MovieMiguel.com
