“Internet Addiction: Empowering Parents!” Online Training: Use and Content of Counseling in a Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: Aims: This quasi-randomized controlled trial examines the use, satisfaction and content of optional counseling in the ISES! online training (Internet Addiction: Empowering Parents!), a digital self-learning program for parents of adolescents with parent‑reported symptoms of gaming disorder or social network use disorder, hereafter referred to as Internet use disorder (IUD). Methods: Two intervention groups (IG1 and IG2) were examined in a subsample: IG1 (messenger counseling, N = 28) and IG2 (telephone/video/messenger counseling, N = 29). Both groups were differentiated according to whether they had used the counseling or not (+/–). Data was collected via online questionnaires, including the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) on parental stress and CIUS-P for assessing parent‑reported child IUD symptoms. Qualitative data is based on 37 counseling protocols. Results: 55 % of parents took advantage of counseling. IG2+ used the service significantly more often and were more often satisfied with it. Users and non-users did not differ in terms of psychosocial stress or parental assessment of their child’s IUD symptoms. Non-use was explained by a lack of need or lack of time. Frequent counseling topics were insecurity with media consumption, emotional stress and autonomy conflicts. Conclusions: Half of the participants use the counseling offered as part of the ISES! digital self-learning program and are satisfied with it. A further analysis will examine whether this also has an impact on the effectiveness.