Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. From fetching work emails to streaming TV shows, it’s virtually — no pun intended — impossible to get by in the modern world without electronic devices.
But there’s growing concern around technology’s impact on kids and how too much screen time can hinder their development. Here’s what to know about youth mental health and the role of technology in this ongoing crisis.
How Much Time Do Kids Spend Looking At Screens?
Screens exist all around us, and measuring how much time we spend on our devices daily can be challenging. Many of us get so caught up in what we’re doing that we lose track of our screen time.
This is especially true for kids who have a limited understanding of moderation. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours on screen-related entertainment daily.
Anyone who’s been out in public recently can attest to this. More young people than not have their heads buried in their smartphones, often to the point of neglecting the people around them. Even young children have become reliant on devices to stay occupied.
Technology’s Role in the Rise of ADHD
Kids spend too much time in front of screens. Generations Z and Alpha were the first to grow up with screens practically attached to their hands, and it could take years or decades for the chickens to come home to roost.
We know an undeniable relationship exists between technology’s growing prevalence and the uptick in ADHD cases among children. A recent study identified a dose-response association between longer screen time at age one and cognitive delays between ages 2 and 4.
Another study found a strong link between prolonged screen exposure and shortened attention spans in preschool-aged children. This further supports the widely-held theory that technology is behind the skyrocketing rates of ADHD among kids and teenagers.
But what are the reasons for this?
How Screens Rewire Kids’ Brains
While the relationship between screen time and ADHD isn’t straightforward, research suggests a complex interplay between screen exposure and attention-related problems.
Immediate Gratification and Dopamine Release
Dopamine is one of the primary neurotransmitters involved in attention. Activities that provide immediate gratification, like video games and social media scrolling, lead to quick bursts of this chemical.
Over time, the brain may expect and crave these quick hits. This expectation can make longer, less instantly rewarding tasks like reading a book or listening to a lecture feel bland in comparison.
Overstimulation
Screen-based activities, especially those that are fast-paced and filled with bright colors and loud noises, offer a high level of sensory stimulation. Overexposure can desensitize the brain to more moderate levels of stimuli.
When consistently exposed to high-intensity stimuli, kids may find other activities insufficiently stimulating, manifesting as inattention or restlessness.
Sleep Disruption
Excessive screen time can interfere with kids’ sleep. The blue light emitted by screens suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for sleep regulation. Sleep is critical for cognitive functions, and sleep deprivation is linked to ADHD.
Reduced Physical Activity
More time in front of screens equals less time for physical activity, which aids in cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall well-being. A sedentary lifestyle can impact brain health and contribute to attention and hyperactivity problems.
What Parents Can Do
Prying kids away from screens can feel impossible. Luckily, with a balanced approach, you don’t have to — at least not entirely.
Lead by Example
Kids are more likely to follow rules that you follow yourself. If you’re glued to your phone for hours, enforcing limits with your children can be difficult. Show them that there’s a great, big world outside the digital realm by regularly engaging in offline activities.
Establish Firm Boundaries
Every family is different, and step-families may have unique needs when setting screen limits. Talk with your partner and determine what days or times your kids should be online. Be consistent and make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Engage in Outdoor Activities
Physical activity is crucial for a child’s development. Please encourage them to play outside, join sports teams, or walk. The more engaged they are in real-world activities, the less they gravitate towards screens.
Use Technology to Limit Technology
It is ironic, though it may sound, that you can leverage technology to limit your kids’ screen time. Some apps allow parents to set time restrictions on devices. Parental control settings can restrict access to certain apps or shut off devices after a specific time.
Take Control of Your Children’s Screen Time
Managing screen time doesn’t have to be scary. With the right tools and education, you can help your child use tech responsibly, promoting healthy cognitive development.
Be proactive, know the signs of screen addiction, and take the appropriate steps to get your child back on track and thriving.
For more tips on parenting in the digital age, follow the Support For Stepdads blog, where we share advice on managing a blended household.
