The World Health Organization’s classification of gaming addiction as a mental health condition earlier this week shouldn’t be used as an excuse to send children to so-called rehabilitation schools, a commentary in Party newspaper People’s Daily said Wednesday.

Numerous private “clinics” have sprung up in China over the years which attempt to rid children of internet addiction by using corporal punishment and electroshock therapy. Though ordered to close, some institutions found it easy to re-open with the support of parents.

The commentary warned parents not to panic about the new classification and be mindful of being tricked by “unidentified” internet boot camps whose treatments have no scientific basis: “Our children would only suffer there.”  (Image: VCG)