Jan 05, 2026
3 min read
The effect of screens on the brains of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may increase the severity of symptoms
Adults are increasingly concerned about the use of new technologies by children and adolescents, due to the effects it may have on their mental development.If the effect is negative in any child (and any adult), it is likely to be diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the need for attention, activity or movement, and to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the child.
Can mobile and tablet screens in any way worsen ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents?
Doctor Huertas, who was also part of the Committee of 50 experts appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Youth to prepare a report to guarantee a safe digital environment for children and adolescents, indicates what needs to be done to prevent minors with ADHD from using mobile devices excessively or disproportionately, which is often a real challenge for parents.
New technologies affect all children and adolescents (in fact, the Spanish Pediatric Association already recommends 0 screens until the age of 6 and limits the time from 6 to 12), but how does it specifically affect children and adolescents with ADHD?
Screens affect everyone, children and adults, but they do so more strongly in the case of attention deficit disorder.These children and adolescents have greater difficulty controlling attention, resisting impulses and tolerating fatigue, and digital technologies provide just the opposite: constant stimulation and immediate reward.This can translate into greater difficulty concentrating, increased irritability, sleep disturbances, and difficulty breaking away from the screen when asked to do so.
Can it affect your brain?
Excessive use or poor regulation of each device that provides social communication can affect the well-being of anyone, especially vulnerable people such as mental health problems, little social support or neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD.In counseling, we see a lot of anxiety, mood swings, low tolerance of frustration and sleep problems, which were also observed in the study.
In addition, when the screen replaces protective habits such as entertainment, sports, or face-to-face social interaction, emotional balance is affected, ADHD symptoms tend to worsen or even develop attention problems in people who do not have the disorder.
Do they do worse than other children or teenagers their age when blocking software is removed or reduced?Why?
We believe that young children with or without illness should not use cell phones or tablets because important entertainment and withdrawal or limitation should not be necessary.But as soon as you think they're using devices as a form of entertainment or distraction while they wait, they often show sudden withdrawal problems, and children with neurodevelopmental issues can be stronger in their responses, because of the way their brains work.
Screens act by activating dopamine-mediated brain circuits associated with pleasure, and their sudden removal can trigger frustration or explosiveness by the same mechanism that occurs when you stop taking drugs.Therefore, it is more effective to go ahead, agree on a schedule and accompany the transition than to suddenly impose bans.It is also important to pay attention to this reaction of the teenager or young person so that they know that they need to make an active effort to control themselves and regulate their emotional state.
Are they more likely to be addicted to social media or video games?
I don't think you can talk about "addiction" to social networks or video games in children as a nuclear problem.Usually, very superfluous or problematic use is a reflection of some other underlying problem.People with adhd are more likely to develop problematic use of video games or social networks, especially if it is impulsivity, social difficulties, low self-esteem or previous emotional distress.But we understand problematic use as compulsive use, without awareness of the time spent, which it displaces other activities off the screen, what conditions resting, performance, leisure and which generates tension in the family.
We must not forget that digital games or social media platforms are designed to hold attention as long as possible, and due to the design of their algorithms, it is easier for brains that seek constant stimuli.This does not mean that everyone develops problematic use, but it does mean that the risk is greater.
How to help spend less time in front of screens?
Removing screens is not enough: real alternatives must be offered.It would be nice to be able to offer them family plans that are compatible with the use of screens and that they cannot refuse because they are interesting.It is useful to encourage healthy lifestyle habits from an early age, with daily physical activity, clear routines, short work periods with breaks, non-digital play and family communication spaces.at the same time it helps to control the environment: screens outside the room, visible maps, limited information and clear and consistent rules over time.
There are apps and video games that claim to be therapeutic and designed specifically for children with ADHD.Are these types of resources really beneficial for them?Could they have the opposite effect and make their symptoms worse?
Apps and video games should not be confused with therapeutic tools implemented with screens such as neurofeedback or time management applications designed specifically for adults with ADHD seeking autonomy and compensation for their difficulties.
Some digital resources have been developed for therapeutic purposes and studies have been conducted to monitor their usefulness and may be complementary in specific and well-controlled settings.However, they do not replace treatment with greater evidence: family psychoeducation, educational adaptations, psychological intervention and pharmacological treatment, a multidisciplinary approach.
Use a tool that can be useful to the young person;For example, controlling time spent on social media as part of an overall intervention plan is not the same as using apps without restrictions or a clear clinical purpose, as we have seen specifically on social media.This can have the opposite effect and increase screen time.
What should parents of children with ADHD do to prevent them from spending more time than recommended in front of a screen or playing video games?
As a first recommendation, without drama, without stress, respecting the rhythm and the needs of each family, mobile phones, tablets and tablets in this description of children, the later is better.Once a sensible family decision is made to introduce an Internet-enabled device into the life of a teenager with ADHD, it is important to establish clear and consistent rules and stick to them for a long time.
Screens should not be in the bedroom, especially at night or when waking up, and adults should be aware of their usage patterns and not use their cell phones at the table or while spending time with their children.There should be trusting relationships where children can talk about situations that make them uncomfortable or about content that concerns them, without fear of immediate punishment or negative consequences.
This step forward in a young person's life should be viewed from respect, curiosity and support, but also from care and protection.The time in front of the screen is not a central issue, the usage habits are very important, whether the video is watched or played, whether it is an educational game, whether the content is consumed alone or together with the family, whether it is appropriate for the age and maturity of the boy or girl.
Children with ADHD find visual resources helpful in learning certain skills.Can the use of screens ever be helpful in promoting learning?
Digital tools have many uses for society in general, and in particular the development of artificial intelligence is developing at an incredible speed.In certain profiles of people with learning difficulties resulting from neurodevelopmental problems, it may be useful to study academic content through visual support, such as short and structured videos developed by parents or teachers using some generative AI tools.
If this is a problem, some digital organizational tools can also be helpful.Activity watches can learn patterns in exercise, sleep and lifestyle habits and be able to identify moments of dysfunction based on this data.But this does not mean that screens specifically promote learning. They are useful if used deliberately and in a limited way.
Another problem is that if teenagers are interested in technologies, their motivation towards the task can increase in the first moments, and this can lead them to study in a positive way.The problem with screens is when they replace adult accompaniment or become entertainment without a clear purpose.
How can parents with ADHD help their children better manage their daily lives?Is it possible to "reduce" symptoms?
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with varying degrees of symptom expression.It's not about "reducing" symptoms, it's about reducing their impact on daily life.The most important thing is to understand human problems and strengthen their strengths.
Prioritizing good rest, creating a predictable routine, breaking tasks into small steps, increasing efficiency and working on emotional control are issues that can be managed at home with the help of professionals or guidance.With adequate and coordinated support between family, school, and professionals, many children and youth with ADHD can develop strategies that work and lead fully satisfied lives.
