Psychiatria pre prax 2/2021

Internet addiction among children and adolescents

The use of the Internet and new technologies is dominant in young age groups and adolescents, where individual functions are maturated and necessary social competences are acquired. Pathological distress during this period therefore has a serious impact on the functioning of the individual in real life and society. Internet addiction has been the subject of intensive research in recent years. The gradual inclusion in the official classification systems DSM-5 and ICD-11 is also evidence of the increased attention paid to this issue in the professional circles. We anticipate an escalation of the issue due to the ongoing pandemic COVID-19, which, according to the first studies, has a negative effect on the development of Internet addiction.

Keywords: Internet addiction, behavioural addiction, children and adolescents, playing videogames