Addiction in children and adolescents
At this roundtable discussion on addiction in childhood, a pediatrician specializing in social medicine and the head of the Cantonal Service for Addictions in Ticino will explore the early onset of addiction and its evolution. Addiction often begins in school-age children, and the signs of chronic addiction can be observed in adolescents. The discussion will focus on how addictive behaviors start in early childhood, particularly through electronic games that are designed to engage users with rewards and increasingly enticing challenges, ultimately leading to compulsive behaviors driven by the pursuit of ever-greater gains.
A key topic will be the distinction between addiction, casual consumption, and abuse: when does a behavior cross the line from mere use to problematic dependency?
This interactive session will invite the pediatrician, the audience, and the experts to engage in a thought-provoking discussion. It will provide valuable insights for medical professionals seeking to understand and address addiction in the context of childhood development and offer practical guidance on early intervention and prevention strategies.