Digital Addiction Intervention for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Parental Mediation, Digital Media Usage, and Health Literacy: An Exploration Among Chinese Elementary School Students

This study examines the relationship between parental interactions, digital media usage, and health literacy among 19,386 elementary students (ages 6-11) in Guangdong Province, China, using the framework of parental mediation theory. Path analysis revealed that increased digital media usage is associated with decreased health literacy, particularly for short video platforms, which exhibit a significant negative correlation (β = -.335). Parental interaction was found to significantly reduce the use of instant messaging apps (β = -.007) and short video platforms (β = -.008), with the influence being moderated by the student's residence status (boarding or non-boarding). The findings highlight the importance of frequent parental interaction in limiting digital media usage and enhancing health literacy among children. This study suggests that parental mediation theory should pay closer attention to environmental or living status factors, as they can significantly influence its mechanisms of action. Overall, this research contributes to the discourse on digital behavior in childhood and offers evidence-based insights for improving educational and health literacy strategies.

The impact of artistic and sporting activities on children's levels of digital addiction, aggression, and psychological resilience

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effects of engaging in artistic and sporting activities on children's levels of digital addiction, aggression, and psychological resilience.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This cross-sectional study encompasses children aged 11-12 who are regularly engaged and not engaged in artistic or sporting education. The study involved 623 children. Data collection utilized the "Digital Addiction Scale," "Child and Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale," and "Reactive and Proactive Aggression Scale."

RESULTS

The study found statistically significant effects of engaging in sporting and artistic activities on digital addiction, psychological resilience, and reactive aggression (p < 0.05). Compared to the group with no activity, children engaged in artistic activities scored -4.38 units lower on the digital addiction scale, while those engaged in sports scored -4.23 units lower. Similarly, compared to the group with no activity, children engaged in artistic activities scored 3.32 units higher on the psychological resilience scale, and those engaged in sports scored 3.30 units higher. As children's psychological resilience scores increased, their scores for digital addiction and aggression decreased.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Participation in such activities can help children acquire healthy coping skills, strengthen their emotional regulation abilities, and reduce problems associated with anger. Therefore, encouraging children to engage in these activities is crucial for contributing to their overall well-being and promoting a balanced lifestyle.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses can educate families about the importance of sports and artistic activities for the healthy development of children. Moreover, diversifying the activities offered to children in schools and youth centers and encouraging these activities can help promote healthy lifestyles and reduce digital addiction.

Exploring the Acute Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Biking on Self-Efficacy and Attention of Individuals in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

The role of exercise programs during substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is considered particularly supportive in fostering positive psychological and behavioral changes. The treatment of SUD is a challenging and demanding process. Therefore, it is crucial to discover innovative methods to enhance and facilitate it. Integrating exercise into a virtual environment is an innovative approach for drug rehabilitation, offering multiple benefits to individuals undergoing treatment. The aim of this feasibility study was to explore the acute effects of cycling exercise in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment on attentional control and self-efficacy expectations of individuals undergoing SUD treatment.

METHODS

A total of 20 individuals (mean age of 37.75 years) enrolled in a SUD treatment program participated in the study. They were instructed to complete a single session of cycling with a self-selected duration within the VR system.

RESULTS

Following the cycling session, pre-post measures indicated a statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy expectations and attentional control measured with the Stroop test. The results revealed that participants expressed high levels of intention for future use, interest/enjoyment, and positive attitudes toward the VR exercise system. Qualitative data indicated that participants found the VR exercise system enjoyable, expressed a strong intention to use it, and did not encounter technical difficulties or negative emotions.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, it seems that engaging in a brief period of self-selected exercise within a virtual environment can result in temporary activation of cognitive changes, heightened self-efficacy expectations, and a motivating approach to increasing physical activity participation among individuals with SUD, thus suggesting the feasibility of this approach.

Enhancing Substance Use Disorder Recovery through Integrated Physical Activity and Behavioral Interventions: A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment and Prevention

The global issue of substance abuse demands ongoing initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With drug use remaining prevalent worldwide, interventions are critical to addressing the associated health challenges and societal implications. Exercise and physical activities have emerged as integral components of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, offering promising avenues for prevention, intervention, and recovery. Recent research underscores the efficacy of exercise in reducing substance cravings, promoting abstinence, and improving overall well-being. However, integrating exercise into SUD recovery programs presents challenges such as dropout rates and cultural considerations. This paper synthesizes existing literature on exercise integration into SUD recovery, highlighting strategies for enhancing treatment outcomes and addressing barriers to exercise adherence. Drawing on cognitive-behavioral therapy, experiential learning, motivational interviewing, and goal-setting techniques, the holistic approach outlined in this paper aims to empower individuals both mentally and physically, fostering resilience and supporting long-term recovery. In conclusion, new initiatives need to be taken by advocating for inclusive policies, promoting community engagement, and fostering collaborations across sectors. By doing so, stakeholders can optimize the effectiveness of exercise programs and contribute to sustainable rehabilitation efforts for individuals with SUD.

Digital Interventions for Combating Internet Addiction in Young Children: Qualitative Study of Parent and Therapist Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Internet addiction is an emerging mental health issue in this digital age. Nowadays, children start using the internet in early childhood, thus making them vulnerable to addictive use. Previous studies have reported that the risk of internet addiction tends to be higher in lower-income regions with lower quality of life, such as Indonesia. Indonesia has high risks and prevalence of internet addiction, including in children. Digital interventions have been developed as an option to combat internet addiction in children. However, little is known about what parents and therapists in Indonesia perceive about these types of interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the experiences, perceptions, and considerations of parents and therapists regarding digital interventions for combating internet addiction in young Indonesian children.

METHODS

This study used a qualitative exploratory approach through semistructured interviews. We involved 22 parents of children aged 7 to 11 years and 6 experienced internet addiction therapists for children. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants in this study recognized 3 existing digital interventions to combat internet addiction: Google Family Link, YouTube Kids, and Apple parental control. They perceived that digital interventions could be beneficial in continuously promoting healthy digital behavior in children and supporting parents in supervision. However, the existing interventions were not highly used due to limitations such as the apps' functionality and usability, parental capability, parent-child relationships, cultural incompatibility, and data privacy.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that digital interventions should focus not only on restricting and monitoring screen time but also on suggesting substitutive activities for children, developing children's competencies to combat addictive behavior, improving digital literacy in children and parents, and supporting parental decision-making to promote healthy digital behavior in their children. Suggestions for future digital interventions are provided, such as making the existing features more usable and relatable, investigating gamification features to enhance parental motivation and capability in managing their children's internet use, providing tailored or personalized content to suit users' characteristics, and considering the provision of training and information about the use of interventions and privacy agreements.

Digital Addiction in Children and Affecting Factors

This study was conducted to identify the digital addiction levels of secondary school students in Northern Cyprus and the factors affecting them. The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional and methodological study. In this study, seven primary and secondary schools were selected randomly in Northern Cyprus and a total of 844 students were included in the study. The children scored 48.12 ± 17.46 points on the "Digital Addiction Scale for Children". Gender, economic status, age, reasons for using the internet, own cell phone, duration of cell phone and computer use, own computer, mother's education and place of residence significantly affected the children's digital addiction level (p < 0.05). Digital tools have entered many areas of our lives and while they have positive and helpful aspects, their negative aspects are coming to light day by day. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, digital tools have entered our lives more and children have encountered digital tools at an earlier age. It is thought that there is a need to warn about the negative and harmful effects of digital tools on children and to inform families more about this issue. It is recommended not to ignore the negative effects of digital tools and to implement practices to prevent addiction under parental supervision.

Effects of active video games on physical activity among overweight and obese college students: a systematic review

Background

The purpose of this study was to critically review the existing literature on the effects of active video games (AVGs) on physical activity in overweight and obese college students to determine whether AVGs can promote and achieve recommended levels of physical activity. The results should provide constructive input for future research.

Methods

A total of five international databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, and EBSCOhost were searched with keywords related to "active video games," "physical activity," and "obese college students" from July 2022. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Furthermore, the quality assessment of the studies was measured using the PEDro scale.

Results

One thousand and twenty-three articles were retrieved, of which eight randomised controlled trial studies met the inclusion criteria. AVGs can reduce sedentary behaviour and positively affect physical activity, time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), positive psychological factors, and game attendance rate. Combining AVGs with other assistive devices (such as mini-trampolines and stationary bikes) can enhance the effects of AVGs and provide greater physiological stimulation. Different types of AVGs and game modes can achieve different emotional responses, physiological stimulation, and physical activity levels.

Conclusion

The research findings prove that AVGs can be a viable intervention to increase physical activity in overweight or obese college students, ultimately reaching the recommended physical activity level(PAL). Physical activity can be further increased by incorporating assistive devices or using features supported by self-determination theory (SDT). As a new modality, AVGs could be a potential alternative to traditional physical activity.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier: CRD42022363993.

Treatment Modalities for Internet Addiction in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the use of the internet among children and adolescents has dramatically increased, leading to growing concerns regarding the potential risks of excessive internet use and addiction. Addressing these concerns, this systematic review aims to summarize current evidence on the effectiveness of treatment interventions for internet addiction among children and adolescents.

METHOD

We performed a systematic review using PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar with search terms including "internet addiction", "problematic internet use", "children" or "adolescents", "treatment" and "randomized controlled trial". We found 10 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) meeting the criteria and included them in this systematic review.

RESULTS

This systematic review analyzed 10 randomized controlled trials focused on treatment interventions for internet addiction in adolescents and young adults. The interventions used were diverse, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, electro-acupuncture (EA), and solution-focused approaches. The measures used to assess the effectiveness of the interventions also varied, but most studies reported moderate to large effect sizes for at least some outcomes. Overall, the studies suggest that interventions such as CBT and EA can be effective in reducing symptoms of internet addiction, internet gaming disorder, and unspecified internet use disorders. School-based programs and brief manualized CBT programs also show promise, though more research is needed to determine their long-term effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Promising treatment approaches for internet addiction are emerging, but inconsistencies in conceptualization, language, and diagnostic criteria present some challenges. The growing recognition of problematic internet use, as shown by the DSM-5's recognition of Internet Gaming Disorder, highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach and standardized criteria to facilitate accurate reporting across studies. Continued research is needed to identify effective treatments and diagnostic criteria for internet addiction, with the potential to offer practical insights into effective medications and therapies.