ADHD: In today’s digital age, smartphones are becoming the extensions of our hands and unfortunately, little hands too! Parents in Indian cities are getting increasingly worried these days as there have been many reports of heightened risk of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The Alarming Link Between Phones and ADHD Risk
ADHD can impact impulse control, hyperactivity, memory, concentration and focus in children. A 2023 JAMA Paediatrics study revealed that children with more than 2 hours of daily screen time before the age of 5 years can show 7-10 times higher ADHD symptoms by age 10.
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Can Smartphones Hijack Developing Brains?
Dopamine-driven mobile applications can hijack developing brains with endless scrolls on YouTube Kids or Instagram Reels that mimic slot machines. This can over-stimulate the prefrontal cortex, which is the “brake” of the human brain for attention. Also, blue light of smartphones can negatively disrupt melatonin, which cause sleep deficits that may worsen impulsivity.
1. Increased ADHD–like Symptoms and Attention Problems
Multiple studies have shown that more screen time is associated with attention problems, mimicking ADHD. Heavy phone use by children and teenagers can cause higher attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Children who spend 2 hours or more on phones or social media can face forgetfulness or trouble focusing. This is simply because fast and flashy content of mobile apps can over-stimulate the brain’s reward system that makes real-world and slower tasks like reading, listening or painting feel boring for children.
2. Poor Sleep Quality and Sleep Delay
Phone screens emit blue light that suppresses melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep. The use of phones late at night by children makes it difficult for them to fall asleep, reduce sleep quality and shorten total sleep. This can make children more likely to feel irritable, tired and restless throughout the day.
3. Premature Brain Maturation and Cognitive Changes
Brain imaging studies have found that children with very high screen time tend to face disruption of the normal cognitive development or premature aging of the brain. This can impact self-control, staying attentive on task and planning challenging for children.
4. Emotional and Behavioural Problems
Excessive phone and social media use is associated with higher rates of emotional volatility, depression, stress and anxiety. Constant notifications, cyber-bullying and comparisons with others online can make young children feel lonely, rejected or stressed leading to mood swings, irritability and increased aggression.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
