Hikikomori (not leaving their room) teenage version: Breaking the cycle when it concerns you

I quote: "1.4 million young people aged 15 to 29 without jobs, not in education or training, 40,000 completely off the radar."

I’m not even going to discuss these numbers, do research, or write a thesis, but honestly, I can see solutions so simple that I’m going to step out of my usual restraint.

I was just reading the article in Femina: The Hikikomori Syndrome Affects 1.4 Million Young People in France.
Why is your teenager allowed to "avoid their development" (skipping meals, family life, and school)?

I’ll give it to you in a personal version: what I would do if I faced the problem with one of my kids:
We would break down the origin together; if they don’t want to talk, straight to the right psychologist, and if they’re resistant, then it’ll be a coach. (I’m a coach, but the role of a parent changes perception and effects...)

However, this coach will have to pass my competency screening; very few will make the cut. Finding one will be quite the task...
But such behavior is not trivial; the cause must be identified.

Then, measures to take at home:

• No phone, internet access, or video games in the room, limited use to 2 hours/day. Zero social media. Parental control app.
• Mandatory sports (solo or group, it doesn’t matter).
• Mandatory family outings and meals.
• Mandatory reading.
• Mandatory school attendance (unless it’s a heightened or residual problem influenced by the place, common sense must prevail...)

No, time won’t just do its work.

At this rate, their hikikomori should be quickly resolved in many cases. It doesn’t seem wise to let habits set in.
And no, after a week, we don’t give the phone back in the room...

There’s a guilt-inducing culture of positive parenting that, in some contexts, can’t stand against certain realities of the digital and school world.

Parents must create a framework and enforce limits. It’s a safeguard that must play its role.

For situations related to bullying or assaults, call on a professional at the first signs.