Everywhere I travel around the country lately, parents and teachers are asking the same question – how does a steady barrage of digital entertainment impact children’s ability to focus and pay attention? While attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appears to be largely rooted in genetics, our ability to pay attention is shaped by experience.
I co-authored a study published in Pediatrics this past Monday that adds to a growing list of studies and reports showing that kids with a heavy diet of media and technology start to develop shorter attention spans. This makes sense in terms of what we know about the brain. One of the basic principles of brain development, “the neurons that fire together wire together,” simply means that whatever we do a lot of, we get better at. So for kids who are getting plenty of practice shifting attention, what they get “good at” is distraction.
Media and technology are an exciting part of our 21st century lives. The problem arises when media use crowds out other activities. Young people need to develop focused attention to do well in school and life. Focused attention enables us to do abstract and critical thinking, integrating new information, and–old fashioned but important–reflection. Wiring a generation of young brains for constant entertainment robs them of the opportunity to develop focused attention – a skill they will need for the rest of their lives.
Try these mind positive tips:
- Enjoy screen media but set and enforce rules about when, where, how much.
- Choose slower paced, educational and non-violent media for your kids.
- Have technology free family meals.
- Create technology curfews – young brains need a break from technology at night.
- Remember that our brains are built for one thing at a time – limit multi-tasking during homework.
Thanks,
