The Times: Youngsters hooked on internet to get help at NHS clinic

Young people addicted to playing video games or using social media can seek treatment at the first NHS clinic dedicated to internet-related health problems.

The Centre for Internet and Gaming Disorders, based in London, opens for referrals today with the first patients to be seen by specialists in November. Appointments will also be available via Skype, the video calling app, for those unable to travel to the capital.

Staff running the service expect thousands of children and young people to be treated for the problem.

Health bosses have warned, however, that the NHS cannot be expected to “pick up the pieces” left by technology firms that create addictive products and “cash in on obsessive or harmful behaviour”.

The centre will also treat those addicted to internet use more generally, forming part of the National Centre for Behavioural Addictions, which already has clinics to treat children and adults with gambling problems.

The full online article can be found here.