Does your little one always ask for his phone while eating, studying, or just hanging out? Does he stare at the TV so intently that he can't hear you when you talk? This is a problem that many parents face these days. In fact, can screen time actually cause a child to lose focus, worsen a condition like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , or make it impossible to tear your child away from the allure of this fast-paced, colorful screen? According to some studies and expert opinions, the answer is 'yes'.
Is there really a link between screen time and attention deficit?
There really is. In a large study, two groups of 5-year-olds were compared. One group had less than 30 minutes of screen time per day, and the other group had more than 2 hours. The results are sobering. Children who spent more than 2 hours a day on screens were 7.7 times more likely to develop ADHD symptoms . This is so serious that screen time is a stronger factor than other factors that can affect a child’s attention span, such as lack of sleep, social and economic circumstances, and parental stress .
Even the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children between the ages of 2-4 should not spend more than an hour a day in front of a screen. However, surveys show that many preschoolers with ADHD exceed this limit.
This doesn't mean that screen time alone causes ADHD. However, it can be a major risk factor and aggravating factor.
Simply put, this is what happens:
- Loss of time for tasks that require patience: When the phone is on, the child loses time for tasks that exercise the brain, such as patiently reading a book, making a toy, or drawing a picture.
- Attracting children with low attention spans : Children with low attention spans are easily distracted by fast-paced, frequently changing things on the screen.
- The solution to boredom: When a child is bored and can't think of anything else to do, the easiest thing to do is pick up the phone. Over time, this becomes a habit.
Why is the screen so special for a child with ADHD?
We all know how distracting it can be to stare at a TV, phone, or tablet for a long time. But for a child with ADHD, this distraction is even stronger. There's a reason for that.
Simply put, the fast, colorful images and sounds coming from this screen immediately stimulate the reward center in the child's brain. To be precise, at this time, the neurotransmitter 'Dopamine' is released in the brain. This gives the child instant happiness and satisfaction. Since children with ADHD have a short attention span, they are very quickly drawn to something that changes quickly and provides stimulation.
But that's where the problem begins. With continued exposure to screens, ADHD symptoms can worsen. And other problems can arise.
| Adverse effects of excessive screen time use | |
|---|---|
| Exacerbation of ADHD symptoms | The child's symptoms such as restlessness, lack of attention, and stubbornness increase. |
| Other mental problems | The risk of developing other mental health problems such as anxiety and depression increases. |
| Behavior problems | About 85% of parents report that even their children's normal behavior is getting worse. |
| Intense anger | When you try to forcefully remove the phone/tab, the child becomes extremely angry and aggressive. |
| Loss of interest in other things | They lose interest in schoolwork, playing with friends, and other activities. |
| Sleep problems | Staring at screens until late at night makes it difficult to go to sleep and disrupts sleep patterns. |
Why is it important to stay away from screens?
The main reason is exercise . For a child to run and play well, he needs to be away from the screen. Physical exercise does the exact opposite of what the screen does. It improves a child's attention span, strengthens their memory, and helps them control their impulsive impulses .
When a child doesn't get enough exercise, screen time increases to fill the gap. This then leaves even less time for essential things like schoolwork, spending time with friends, and sleep.
How do you know if screen use has become an "addiction"?
Sometimes this habit can reach an uncontrollable level, that is, internet addiction. Be a little careful about these symptoms. What is important is whether this behavior pattern continues and whether it is affecting family and school work.
| Warning signs to look out for | |
|---|---|
| Strong responses | Excessive anger, sadness, and anxiety when trying to get the child away from the screen. |
| Detachment from the real world | Preferring to be 'social' online with strangers rather than talking to friends in real life. |
| Lack of control | No matter how long the child spends staring at the screen, it seems like he can't control the habit. |
| Needing more and more | To maintain the pleasure you get, keep asking for new games, new apps, new phones, etc. (tolerance increases). |
Things you can do as a parent
Children with ADHD easily lose track of time, so there are a few things you can do.
- Talk to your child: Together with your child, come to an agreement on how long a task will take, what to see, and where to stop ("stop points").
- Plan what to do next: Talk in advance about something active to do after you get up from your screen. For example, "After we look at our phone, let's go outside and play."
- Keep it in a public place: Keep your child's devices like phones, tablets, and computers in a place where everyone can see them, like the living room. That way, you can monitor how long they spend on them and what they're looking at.
- No screens before bed: Turn off all screens at least an hour before bed . This gives your child time to calm down and prepare for sleep. Also, don't bring any screens, including phones, into the bedroom.
- Set some rules for your home: Create a Screen Time plan that the whole family can agree on. Come to a common agreement about who watches what, when, how long, and what. You also need to be a good role model for your child.
If, despite all this, you have serious concerns about your child's condition, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about it. He or she will be able to guide you properly.
Take-Home Message
- Although excessive screen time use does not cause ADHD, it can significantly exacerbate ADHD symptoms and lead to attention problems.
- Set clear, consistent rules and time limits for your child's screen time. Be a good role model by following those rules yourself.
- Get your child away from screens and into physical activity, outdoor play, and other hobbies. This is essential for brain development.
- If you notice a serious change in your child's behavior or mental health, never ignore it. Contact your doctor immediately for advice.
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