With connectivity to the Internet more widespread than ever, and tantalizing online activities constantly emerging, an alarming number of young people show what appear to be signs of digital addiction.
Digital addiction has health consequences such as depression, social isolation or loss of sleep, as they stay up later and later to chat online, check for social network status updates or to reach the next game levels.
‘Internet addiction disorder’ may not be the right term, but the problems are very real and students who are unable to control their online activities, whose grades drop and whose relationships with friends and family sour, definitely need help. Which is where Youth Diversion steps in with the launch of its new program, Time to L.A.G. (Learn About Gaming).
While providing services to youth in our community, Joanna Conrad, Executive Director said, “Youth Diversion staff recognized an increased trend amongst youth who identified with excessive video gaming habits and thus a need emerged to educate youth on how to balance video gaming activities in a healthy way.” The noticed trend also coincides with the 2015 OSDHUS (Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey) released last month by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. The report disclosed that 13 percent of surveyed students (Grade 7 to 12) in Ontario reported symptoms of a video gaming problem, which is an increase from previous years. The identified need to address the excessive usage of video gaming amongst youth comes about in identifying ways that youth can live a healthy, balanced life while still enjoying their hobbies.
The Time to L.A.G. program is offered to youth between the ages of 12-17 residing within Windsor-Essex County. In compliance with the agency’s mission to provide preventative services that are guided by the strengths and needs of youth; the preventative and educational based program is interactive in its approach to encompass all factors present in learning about excessive video gaming. Referrals to the program are now open and can be made via online, email or telephone.
Delivering the Time to L.A.G. program is thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation which funded Youth Diversion’s Outreach Program a second time earlier this year with a $225,000 grant over 35 months to support the development of emotional and social strengths for youth.
Youth Diversion is committed to supporting youth exhibiting at-risk behaviors and encouraging them to reach their full potential, providing programs that encourage youth to develop skills that promote a positive response to self, others and the community.