China opens internet addiction camp
Tuesday, 7 August 2007 17:15China is launching an experimental summer camp for 40 youngsters to try to wean them off their internet addiction.
The ten-day programme will accept youngsters aged between 14 and 22 once they have undergone a psychological test and evaluation, according to the state newspaper China Daily.
About 2.6m, or 13%, of China's 20m internet users under 18 are considered to be addicts.
The youngsters at the summer camp will be treated for depression, fear, unwillingness to interact with others, panic and agitation.
It is offering a softer option than the Internet Addiction Treatment Centre near Beijing which uses a blend of therapy and military drills to treat children addicted to online games, internet pornography and cybersex.
Concerned by a number of high-profile internet-related deaths and juvenile crime, the Chinese government is now taking steps to stem internet addictions by banning new internet cafes and mulling restrictions on violent computer games.
According to government figures, there are currently 113,000 internet cafes and bars in China.
In a joint effort with the camp, Shanghai's education commission has organised a volunteer group to patrol the city streets and stop minors entering internet cafes.
