Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Smartphone Addiction: Parent Education and Behaviour Management Feasibility Trial Case Series

There is a paucity of research into parent management strategies for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and smartphone addiction, particularly delivered as a flexible online program. The aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of an online parent management intervention for managing child IGD. A total of N=218 Year 4-8 parents were invited to participate after their child was identified with clinical levels of IGD and/or smartphone addiction. A majority (85%) of parents were classified as “non-starters” after not responding or declining the invitation, and a further 83% of parents who started the program “dropped out”. The results of a case series (n=5) are described in detail, providing qualitative evidence for the use of parent management interventions to reduce IGD, smartphone addiction and associated developmental impacts. The findings have impacts on the optimal design of future research into parent management for IGD and screen disorders, and the challenges around low retention rates in parent samples.