The amount of time your child spends on their phone, computer, and gaming system impacts their brain. One study from 2018 showed positive associations between a higher frequency of modern digital media and symptoms of ADHD.¹ While it’s not accurate to say that screen time directly causes ADHD, it is accurate to say that screen time has an impact on attention. The connection between technology and ADHD in teens may not be completely clear for a while, but you should still be taking your teen’s screen time seriously. If they already have been diagnosed, enrolling them in adolescent ADHD treatment will help them learn important life and social skills that can make their transition into adulthood easier.

How Screens Affect the Brain

In 2021, American teens spent an average of about eight and a half hours on their phones every day. From using social media to watching videos, gaming, and just browsing the web, the amount of time spent on screens has increased by nearly two hours per day since 2015.² But does it matter?

Absolutely. Even though the internet makes it easier for teens to find hobbies, connect with friends, and complete schoolwork, it has a major impact on their brains. Screens can affect:

• Sleep
• Attention span
• The brain’s reward system
• Stress levels and reactions

Physical activity and social relationships can also be affected when a teen spends too much time on their screens.³

Does Screen Time Cause ADHD?

There is no direct link showing screen time as a cause for ADHD. However, excessive screen time can lead to attention issues and other symptoms that are common among people with ADHD. Right now, it’s accurate to say that excessive screen time can be a risk factor for attention and behavioral issues. One of the main issues comes from the type of attention that gets used when playing games or looking at social media.

People generally have two modes when using their attention. The first is easily gratified and more passive, sometimes known as “automatic” attention. This type is what’s used most frequently when scrolling on social media or playing video games. Flashy screens, pleasing notifications, and even colorful elements make it easy and rewarding to stay plugged in for longer. The second, sometimes called “directed” attention, is used for more challenging or laborious tasks—think doing chores, painting a portrait, or doing a jigsaw puzzle.

ADHD can also make it hard for teens to deeply direct their attention to some tasks—unless it’s something they are particularly interested in. This may be one of the inferences people make about screen time and ADHD.

ADHD and Video Games

While too much screen time does have a negative effects on attention, video games can be a valuable hobby for teens with ADHD—there’s even a therapeutic video game.⁴ But why? Video games can help people with ADHD learn at their own pace without the rejection and disappointment from less forgiving, real-world situations. Additionally, teens with ADHD may find it easier to interact with others in an online space, while socializing in person is often challenging.

Striking a Screen Time Balance at Home

Screens are everywhere and, at this point, are mostly unavoidable. Rather than completely restricting screen time, helping your teen find balance can be a more effective way to help manage the effects of screen time.

• Set screen-free times and zones at home (e.g., no screens during meals or in bedrooms)
• Encourage physical activity and social interactions outside of screen time
• Find alternative hobbies and activities that your teen enjoys, such as sports, art, or music
• Use parental controls and monitor your teen’s screen usage

If your teen lives with ADHD or struggles with excessive screen time, professional support can also be beneficial. Through therapy and other resources, they can learn how to manage their screen time and develop healthy habits for the future.

Teen Mental Health Treatment at Family First

With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, the Family First team helps teens with their mental health. We offer programming for neurodivergent teens who live with ADHD, video game addiction, excessive screen time, and other mental health conditions.

While your teen is in treatment, we’ll work closely with you to build a more supportive environment that can help maintain and encourage progress. If you’re concerned about your teen’s screen time or overall well-being, reach out to us online or by calling 888.904.5947 now.

Footnotes:

1. JAMA – Association of Digital Media Use With Subsequent Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Adolescents
2. Common Sense – The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021
3. Potsdam State University of New York – What Does Screen Time Do To My Brain?
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – FDA Permits Marketing of First Game-Based Digital Therapeutic to Improve Attention Function in Children with ADHD