China to issue regulations on treatment of internet addiction

China is working on formulating standards for treatment of internet addiction in youngsters, a medical expert said.

One in 10 Chinese youngsters is addicted to the internet, a condition listed as a mental disorder by the World Health Organization this year, Lu Lin, president of Peking University Sixth Hospital, said on Tuesday. The rate is higher than the worldwide incidence rate of six percent.

Lu said overreliance on internet is the result of many problems, such as parent-children relationship, school performance and attention defect disorder.

Standards for treatment of internet addiction are in the making, he said, noting youngsters who are addicted to the internet can improve their situation by better communicating with parents and friends, or engaging in social activities and exercise.