SHANGHAI, Aug. 1 -- YOUNG Internet addicts will attend the city's first government-sponsored training program later this month, in a bid to curb the growing social problem.

Sponsored by the government-backed Shanghai Sunshine Community Youth Affairs Center, the program will treat 40 youngsters aged between 14 and 22 whose lives have been shattered by Internet overuse.

Young addicts will attend a 10-day closed camp in suburban Qingpu District, and have group psychological counseling, behavior training and individual treatment offered by certified counselors.

An Internet engineer with Microsoft who used to be an Internet addict will share his personal experience with the youngsters, organizers said.

The program will also follow up each addict's behavior for three months, monitored by counselors and professional social workers.

"We don't expect it to be an once-for-ever endeavor," said Cai Zhong, office director of the center. "What's important is to find out an effective solution to treat the prevailing problem via the pilot program."

Addiction to the Internet and computer games is becoming a big headache for families and society.

A study conducted by the center in 2005 reported that about 14.2 percent of city youngsters were diagnosed with Internet addiction symptoms, such as feeling anxious or physically ill once their Internet access was cut.

Wu Guohong, associate professor at Fudan University's school of social development and public policy, said that scholars and government had realized the hidden social risks.

"Many social institutions are seeking their own way of treatment, but the question is that no one can make out an ideal solution," Wu said.

Center officials said that they planned to report the results of the pilot program, which will spread throughout the city.

Parents can apply for the training program for their child from today until August 10. The food and accommodation fees are 800 yuan (US$105), and the government will cover the rest of the 6,000-yuan training cost.