Abstract
The effects and consequences of Internet addiction might seem less showy and dramatic than, for example, the effects of substance abuse or bullying. Internet addiction is a much more silent problem, and as such, it might be more easily ignored or even not recognized as a problem. In this chapter, it is argued that an effective prevention program against Internet addiction should first of all promote positive youth development among adolescents. Results from previous research showed that students participating in Project P.A.T.H.S. showed higher levels of psychosocial competencies and less problem behavior than students in a control group. Project P.A.T.H.S. aims at reducing adolescents’ antisocial behavior, substance use, and Internet addiction primarily by improving their psychosocial competencies. This chapter will illustrate how these developmental issues are explored within the special teaching units included in the extension phase of Project P.A.T.H.S. on Internet addiction.
The preparation for this work and the Project P.A.T.H.S. were financially supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
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Busiol, D., Lee, T.Y. (2015). Prevention of Internet Addiction: The P.A.T.H.S. Program. In: Lee, T., Shek, D., Sun, R. (eds) Student Well-Being in Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong. Quality of Life in Asia, vol 7. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-582-2_14
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