COVID-19 and Screen Addiction

According to ground-breaking studies from Birkbeck, Southwest University, University of California, and Nottingham Trent University, video game use and addiction severity have grown dramatically during the COVID-19 epidemic, especially for young teenagers. At Summerland at Camp Pocono Trails (CPT), we’ve seen a sharp increase in demand for treatment post-COVID lockdown. Our program has grown significantly as a result.

The study’s authors also discovered that levels of depression and anxiety symptoms prior to the pandemic predicted higher levels of video game addiction (also known as Internet Gaming Disorder) intensity during the epidemic. Depression and anxiety symptoms are among the most common symptoms we see at camp, along with diagnoses including ADHD and ASD.

Quarantine and Internet Use

The pandemic’s quarantine procedures and rising internet usage are linked to mental issues. With more people using the internet, psychosocial issues including anxiety, sadness, anger, suicidal thoughts and actions, hyperactivity, inattention, violence, and stress are becoming more prevalent. In research involving teenagers, it was shown that as internet addiction rose, so did hostility, sadness, and impulsivity (Obeid et al, 2019). Additionally, behavioral issues, suicidal behavior, hyperactivity, inattention, faltering peer connections, sadness, and anxiety were psychosocial behavioral disorders that predicted internet addiction in research with 11,356 teenagers in 11 European nations (Kaess et al., 2014).

Because teens have been forced to stay at home, away from their friends, classmates, and all the activities they used to participate in before the COVID-19 epidemic, children are one of the social groups that have been most impacted. Therefore, while isolating, video games and social media served as their only haven for relaxation.

It is undeniable that the abrupt change in children’s lifestyles during the Covid-19 pandemic had serious repercussions and risks endangering their stability on all levels. At home, children spend a lot of time in front of tablets, smartphones, and computer screens playing electronic games for extended periods of time.

Our Treatment for Video Game and Social Media Addiction

At the Summerland program at CPT, we are fortunate to have a 350-acre private (not shared) campus with virtually unlimited sports, waterfront, and recreation facilities. We help young people rediscover their strengths. Our many ropes courses, challenge courses, climbing facilities, and ziplines help challenge camper physically and stimulate their minds without screens.

Camp is also a great format for rebuilding social connections. Campers participate in typical camp activities in a wholesome summer camp environment. Check out or campus, sports facilities, and clinical program to see if Summerland at CPT is a good fit for your child.