Screen time and ADHD: Looking for the connection


PTI, Oct 17, 2023, 11:31 AM IST

Research suggests that excessive screen time can harm children’s cognitive development, but how much is too much? The sight of a toddler playing on a mobile phone may seem cute and clever to some people.

However, to researchers looking into causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there is more than meets the eye.

While no clear link has been found between children’s screen time and ADHD, growing evidence shows that mobile phone use can lead to developmental problems by the time they reach school age.

There is certainly enough to suggest keeping phones away from children in their early years.

While ADHD has specific diagnostic criteria, in simple terms it means a disorder that manifests in children with symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive behaviour and a lack of focused attention.

ADHD affects many aspects of a child’s development – cognitive, academic, behavioural, emotional and social.

There may also be co-existing conditions such as depression, autism spectrum disorders or anxiety disorders. Children with ADHD are also at higher risk of being subject to prejudice, discrimination and stigmatisation.

No exact causes of the disorder have been identified. As it is not a reportable disease like certain infectious illnesses, recorded incidence in children varies depending on the population studied and the testing methods used. It is also less recognised in countries where awareness and identification by caregivers is lower.

Genetic and environmental factors have been considered possible causes of ADHD. Influences such as diet, sleep deficiency, head trauma in children, tobacco use during pregnancy and maternal depression all may play a secondary or transient role, but none have been proved conclusively.

A 2013 study on children between 6 and 11 years old in South India identified more than 10 percent as having ADHD.

A 2019 study in Kerala state set out to explore the prevalence of ADHD among the same age group. It found that the children who screened positive for probable ADHD – nearly 23 percent – also tended to have higher rates of reported screen time, averaging more than one hour per day.

As that study was based on a questionnaire for parents of children receiving outpatient hospital care, and diagnosis was made using an abbreviated scale for ease of administering the test and rapid screening, the results must be seen as preliminary.

A 2021 study also showed that preschool-aged children diagnosed with ADHD had more average screen-time exposure than the recommended duration. Researchers also noted an increased severity of ADHD in children with increased screen time.

These studies all came before the Covid-19 pandemic, when the use of digital devices like mobile phones by children was lower compared to what it was today.

A recent study suggests that greater screen time among 1-year-old children was associated with developmental delays in communication and problem-solving at ages 2 and 4.

Until the role of increased screen time as a contributing factor in ADHD is better understood, limiting children’s exposure is advised, due to its likely effects on communication and cognitive function.

World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines recommend no screen exposure for children under 2 years old, and not more than one hour of screen time for children between ages 2 and 4.

Current treatment methods for ADHD vary from medications to psychosocial interventions, alone or in combination. Caregivers also play an integral role in identifying and managing ADHD, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in navigating better outcomes.

Awareness of the disorder is a vital first step towards changing perceptions and increasing acceptance of ADHD as a disorder that can be managed. One study has shown that lowering a child’s perceived levels of stigma may support greater adherence to medical treatment.

Although it cannot be concluded that increased screen time leads to ADHD, there is sufficient evidence to identify the risk, and the need to take action to protect children’s health.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Vandalism at Allu Arjun’s residence in Hyderabad

Rohit Sharma should change his tactics, be more attacking batting at No. 6: Ravi Shastri

Joe Root returns to England’s ODI squad for India tour, Champions Trophy; Ahmed in T20Is

Delhi Police identifies 175 people in verification drive against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants

We have evidence of BJP MLC Ravi using invective inside K’taka Legislative Council: CM Siddaramaiah

Maintain strong relations with all community outfits, don’t oppose their views: Cong’s Chennithala

SC asks HC, Maharashtra govt to evolve mechanism to ensure production of accused before trial courts

Related Articles More

‘Faster walkers’ had significantly lower risk of diabetes, hypertension: Study

World Meditation Day 2024: Celebrating inner peace and well-being

Virus causing gut infections could play role in development of Alzheimer’s: Study

Air pollution linked to more hospitalisations for all causes, mental illness too, study finds

Plant-based meat alternatives linked to increased risk of depression in vegetarians, study finds

MUST WATCH

Tulunadu Daivaradane

Feeding Birds with Creative Paddy Art!

Areca Nut

HOTEL SRI DURGA BHAVANA

Harish Poonja


Latest Additions

Vandalism at Allu Arjun’s residence in Hyderabad

PM Modi to attend Christmas celebrations hosted by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

Malpe: Carol singing brings Christmas cheer to homes

UP: Ancient stepwell unearthed in Sambhal district’s Chandausi

Democracy being ‘murdered’ by using its own tools: Yogendra Yadav

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.