Internet Addicts halfway house opens in Shanghai

[katty]

more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060824/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_china_addicts
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Internet addicts halfway house opens in Shanghai Wed Aug 23, 10:14 PM ET



SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Mainland China has opened its first halfway house for Internet addicts, offering shell-shocked teenagers counselling, books -- and the use of computers.

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The shelter can hold four minors for one-night stays and help bridge gaps between children and parents, the Shanghai Daily said.

"None of the teenagers are forced to come here," the newspaper quoted Wang Hui, the house's chief social worker, as saying.

"We wander around in nearby Internet bars at night and bring them to the halfway house if the teen agrees."