The Center of Culture and Sport for Southern Teenagers will begin offering a rehabilitation program for adolescents addicted to online gaming in Ho Chi Minh City next month.

It also aims to teach youth how to use the Internet in a more sensible manner for their studies and personal entertainment, says Lien.

The first course is expected to enroll 50 students who will attend classes each weekend for two months – including overnight stays on Saturdays.

During treatment, teens will work with psychologists and health experts to improve their self esteem; develop other interests and teamwork skills; and learn how to avoid temptations.

“Most online game addicts fail to face the real world but want to become ‘heroes’ in the virtual world,” Lien said. “[Through the program] we hope to bring them back to the real world and help them discover their own abilities.”

Also included in the program is a “Box of Emotion” where each student is encouraged to write out their emotions and thoughts since the beginning of the program. The box will be opened in the course’s sixth week with participation from the students’ parents.

Parents also take part in other social activities with their children like washing their own shirts to donate to disadvantaged students through charitable organizations.

“Parents must be strict and decisive when their children [make excuses] for not attending the program,” Lien said.

Parents can also call the course coordinators to come to their homes if teens refuse to comply.

“We do not forbid them from playing games, but [help them become aware] of the need to stop,” Lien added.

“If parents want their children to stay with us twenty-four-seven, we will help them take the children to school and pick them up as well as help them review lessons,” she said.

The course costs VND3.5 million (US$213.65) and includes cooking and accommodation. The class is expected to start on November 29 in the Vinh Loc Urban Area in HCMC’s Binh Tan District.

Source: Tuoi Tre