In today’s digital world, technology is an inseparable part of our daily lives. From work to entertainment, and even ensuring safety, gadgets like phones, tablets, and computers play a major role in how we navigate life. Children today are growing up in an era where screens are ever-present, making it crucial to understand how this impacts their mental well-being, particularly in relation to ADHD symptoms.

The Growing Dependence on Technology

Many parents rely on gadgets to keep their children entertained while managing daily responsibilities. Whether at restaurants, on road trips, or in shopping malls, it is common to see young children engaged with screens. However, this increasing exposure raises concerns about potential gadget addiction and its effects on mental health. Studies have shown a direct correlation between excessive screen time and psychiatric disorders, particularly ADHD. The more time children spend on screens, the more severe their ADHD symptoms can become (Weiss et al., 2011).

ADHD Symptoms and Screen Time

ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. Research by Hegde et al. (2019) found that 53% of parents noticed a decline in their children’s academic performance, along with increased hyperactivity and attention difficulties. Adolescents, who should be strengthening their social skills through real-life interactions, are now relying more on social media, video chatting, and online messaging. Since mid-adolescence is a crucial time for brain development, excessive gadget use may interfere with the formation of essential attention and behavioral control skills.

Further research by Thorell et al. (2022) has identified a bidirectional relationship between digital media use and ADHD symptoms. Children with ADHD are more likely to develop problematic digital media habits, and in turn, excessive screen use can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This is due to various factors such as sleep disruption, reduced face-to-face social interactions, and the overstimulation of the brain’s reward system.

Family Stress and ADHD

Excessive screen time does not only affect children; it also impacts family dynamics. Studies have shown that families of children with ADHD experience higher levels of stress, which can hinder positive parent-child interactions. This stress can also affect parents’ ability to enforce behavioral interventions and medical treatments effectively (Wahyuni et al., 2019). Moreover, parental depression has been linked to increased screen exposure in children, as struggling parents may rely on screens as a means of distraction.

Why Are Gadgets So Addictive for Children?

Technology is designed to capture and maintain attention, making it difficult for children to disengage. Social media and online platforms trigger dopamine release in the brain, the same chemical involved in addictive behaviors like smoking and gambling (Veteran Mentors, 2023). Young children, who have not yet developed strong coping mechanisms, are especially vulnerable to this cycle of addiction.

One of the most common concerns among parents is why their children prefer screen time over independent play. The truth is, playing independently is a learned skill that must be nurtured. To reduce screen dependency, parents should encourage outdoor activities and interactive play, which foster creativity and imagination. Excessive screen time has also been linked to health issues such as obesity, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and social-emotional difficulties (Muppala et al., 2023). Parents play a key role in managing this by setting boundaries, modeling healthy screen habits, and ensuring that screens are kept out of bedrooms.

While many parents take pride in their child’s ability to navigate technology, it is essential to strike a balance between digital engagement and real-world experiences. Instead of relying on screens for learning and entertainment, encouraging play and outdoor activities can support cognitive and emotional development. By setting healthy boundaries, we can help children develop essential life skills, ensuring they grow into well-rounded individuals.

Hegde, M. A., Suman, P., Unais, M., & Jeyakumar, C. (2019, January). Effect of electronic gadgets on the behaviour, academic performance and overall health of school going children- A descriptive study . Journal of Advanced Medical and Dental Sciences Research, 7(1), 100-103. doi:doi: 10.21276/jamdsr

Muppalla, S. K., Vuppalapati, S., Reddy Pulliahgaru, A., & Sreenivasulu, H. (2023). Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management. Cureus, 15(6). doi: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40608

Thorell, L. B., Burén, J., Ström Wiman, J., Sandberg, D., & Nutley, S. B. (2022). Longitudinal associations between digital media use and ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents: a systematic literature review. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 1-24. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-022-02130-3

Veteran Mentors. (2023). Why are children addicted to technology? Retrieved 06 04, 2024, from Veteran Mentors: https://www.veteranmentors.com.au/kids-technology-addiction/#:~:text=Why%20children%20addicted%20to%20technology,brain%20releases%20the%20chemical%20dopamine

Wahyuni, A. S., Siahaan, F. B., Arfa, M., Alona, I., & Nerdy, N. (2019). The relationship between the duration of playing gadget and mental emotional state of elementary school students. Open access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(1), 148–151. doi: https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.037

Weiss, M. D., Baer, S., Allan, B. A., Saran, K., & Schibuk, H. (2011). The screens culture: Impact on ADHD. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 3(4), 327–334. doi:10.1007/s12402-011-0065-z