In multiple studies, excessive screen time has been linked to school problems, anger, aggression, frustration, depression and other emotional problems. Over-stimulation causes kids to have poor focus and depletes their mental energy, which often leads to explosive behavior.
The link between screens and behaviour
“When the game stops, so does dopamine release and for some individuals this can result in irritability,” explains Tom Warshawski, a Kelowna-based paediatrician and chair of the Childhood Obesity Foundation.
Behavior problems, nightmares, and trouble sleeping may happen after kids watch violence on screen. Older kids can be scared by violent images too. Talking with kids this age will help them, so it's important to comfort them and explain what they see to help ease fears.
It found that kids with more screen time had an 11% higher risk of more externalizing behavior problems like aggression or inattention.
The researchers found that it depended, in part, on a child's home life – on how often a child's parents make use of digital soothing. In families where screen time soothing was used a lot, kids were more likely to “tantrum with extreme emotion” when the television clip suddenly ended (Coyne et al 2021).
Most of us know what it's like to be riveted for a while to a screen, whether it's a TV, phone, or tablet. But for children with ADHD, the pull is even stronger. Short attention spans crave the ever-changing menus of flashy graphics, sound, and action, delivered with the thrill of instant gratification.
Children with ADHD are also likely to spend a lot of time in front of a screen. People with ADHD can be EVEN more susceptible to spending too much time with technology. ADHD makes it hard to concentrate/ focus on boring tasks but something like the TV/ computer is constantly entertaining.
Researchers found that the students who reported using digital media many times a day were more likely than their peers to show these symptoms: Inattention, such as difficulty organizing and completing tasks. Hyperactivity-impulsivity, such as having trouble sitting still.
Screen time should be considered a risk factor for ADHD symptoms, according to a study examining sedentary behavior in adolescents (9). One review looked at the association between screen time and hyperactive behaviors over nearly four decades and found a slightly significant statistical association (10).
“There is also evidence of a correlation between media use and the severity of ADHD symptoms. Screens may not cause ADHD, but they may play some role — depending on what limits are placed on them and how a child or teen is using them — in exacerbating the way that ADHD symptoms are expressed.”
But too much can take away from other activities, such as sleeping, exercising, playing with friends, and doing homework. Studies show that kids who watch too much TV are more likely to be overweight — and, depending on the content of what they see, more aggressive.
In addition, the brain showed thickening in a frontal lobe region, the frontopolar cortex, that is known to lower language-based reasoning ability. Testing confirmed that verbal IQ scores, which measure vocabulary and language skills, fell in proportion to the hours of TV the children watched.
Research has linked excessive screen time to school problems, aggression and other behavioral issues. The “sensory overload” causes kids to have poor focus and depletes their mental energy, which often leads to anger and explosive behavior.
Organise a time each day where screens are a no-go. This might not be easy at first, so encouraging kids to pursue other interests during this time such as drawing, reading or playing a board game with the family can help. Life is about balance, so outline specific times where kids are allowed to play on their devices.
Managing post-screen-time anger
Give your kids a countdown. Kids aren't great at keeping track of the time, especially when they're gaming or watching a video. Fifteen minutes before screen time ends, give them a warning, and then follow up in five-minute increments. A reward/penalty system works for many kids.
The AAP discourages screen use for children younger than 18 to 24 months, and recommends a limit of an hour a day for children between the ages of 2 and 5, and two hours of non-schoolwork use for school-age children between 6 and 17. However, it can be difficult for parents to gauge how to manage screen time.
A child who shows a pattern of inattention may often: Fail to pay close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork. Have trouble staying focused in tasks or play. Appear not to listen, even when spoken to directly.
A medical, physical or neurodevelopmental exam identifies if you or your child meets the criteria for ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. Recording symptoms using rating scales and other sources of information ensures you or your child meets standardized criteria.
YouTube May Impede Preschool Development
Children who spend more time watching screens may struggle with learning new words or engaging in imaginative play. This could be particularly concerning if your child has ADHD or Autism since these developmental milestones are already challenging.
A good ADHD diet is well-balanced, with a generous portion of fruits and vegetables paired with whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins. This diet ensures your nutritional needs are met and helps keep your mind and body in their best state. Keep in mind that research is ongoing in relation to ADHD and diet.
Cocomelon is known for its catchy tunes. Still, the repetitive nature of these songs can be overstimulating for kids with auditory sensitivities. The background music and sound effects may also contribute to sensory overload, making it challenging for some children to enjoy the content.
Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
Children with ADHD sometimes talk excessively because they have poor listening skills. My son has a hard time carrying on a conversation because it's difficult for him to pause, listen to other people, and make appropriate decisions about when to talk and stop talking.