Media Addiction Among Youth: Personal Stories and Clinical Insights

This article examines the rising issue of media addiction among young people, particularly following the Corona pandemic. It highlights the case of Jonas, a 17-year-old who became isolated and neglected personal hygiene and school due to excessive gaming. Experts from the Nuremberg Clinic and Schönsicht clinic explain that boys aged 14-15 with underlying issues like ADHD or social anxiety are most at risk. Symptoms include loss of control over screen time, neglect of friends and hygiene, and school avoidance. Therapy often requires parental intervention, as affected youths rarely seek help voluntarily. Treatment programs, such as those in Nuremberg and Berchtesgaden, focus on outpatient counseling or inpatient rehabilitation involving sports and art therapy to teach emotional regulation and fill free time. A major challenge noted by specialists is the impossibility of complete abstinence in a digitalized society, increasing relapse risks. The report underscores the role of parents, especially from middle and upper classes, in identifying the problem and seeking professional support for their children.