Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and smartphone addiction: parent intervention trial

There is currently a lack of intervention trials focusing on parent management strategies for Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and smartphone addiction. The aim of the current study (ACTRN12622001355763) was to examine the efficacy of the Tech Diet Parent Program (TDPP), an online parent management video program, in reducing IGD and smartphone addiction symptoms and associated developmental impacts.

A total of N = 689 parent participants (with school-aged children) completed baseline measures and 153 parents provided 6-week follow-up data after completing the TDPP.

Fifty-nine percent had a child at baseline with high levels of IGD and/or smartphone addiction symptoms. At 6-week follow-up 60% of children with high levels of IGD symptoms and 32% of high levels of smartphone addiction were significantly lower post-program completion. Increased levels of program dosage and compliance were found to be important factors in reductions to IGD and smartphone addiction symptoms, particularly for the high symptom sample. Higher dosage and compliance was also correlated with a significant reduction in the negative developmental impacts of screen use on the children, notably in the sub-domains of physical/social development and education.

These findings have implications for utilising online parent management strategies for the prevention and intervention of both IGD and smartphone addiction, either as a stand-alone intervention or in conjunction with established individual treatments like CBT.