Digital media use disorders in childhood and adolescence

The use of digital games, social networks and online videos is a very popular leisure activity among children and adolescents. Up to one quarter of young users develop risky usage behavior, which in turn can become pathological in up to 6% of them. The complete picture of a digital media use disorder (DMNS) is associated with significant restrictions in important areas of life for those affected and without adequate treatment not uncommonly becomes chronic. Psychological comorbidities are the rule. Based on the triadic model of addiction, the etiology includes personal, environmental and media-related factors. Special attention must be paid to the particularities of adolescent psychological and neurobiological development. Validated ICD-11-based diagnostic instruments for children and adolescents are available for screening (as early as possible) in order to record symptoms of DMNS in self-rating and parental rating. There are currently no widespread treatment concepts available. Promising group programs based on cognitive behavioral therapy for school and clinical contexts are available. The resource-strengthening adolescents and parents training in media-related disorders (Res@t) program is currently being evaluated as a unique digital intervention for affected adolescents and their parents. Treatment of existing comorbidities must be taken into account in line with medical guidelines.