In recent years, as digitalization has penetrated every area of life, children’s lifestyles have also changed radically. Digital tools such as tablets, smartphones, computers, and televisions have reshaped how children entertain themselves, learn, and socialize, while also beginning to affect their mental processes. Especially, the number of psychological studies suggesting a relationship between prolonged screen time and attention span is increasing. In this article, the effect of technology use on children’s attention and focus skills will be discussed in the light of scientific foundations and observations from the field, and recommendations for parents/experts will be presented.
Screen Time and Cognitive Development
The American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) does not recommend any screen time for children under the age of 2 and suggests a maximum of 1 hour per day of high-quality content for children between the ages of 2–5. However, current data show that children’s screen time far exceeds these limits. Especially with the increase in the educational use of digital devices during the pandemic, it has become even more difficult to control screen time.
Research indicates that excessive screen time can negatively affect the development of the prefrontal cortex, the brain area responsible for attention and executive functions (Christakis, 2004). Children constantly bombarded by stimuli have difficulty focusing on a single task for an extended period, and this habit of frequent stimulation leads to a search for instant gratification.
Clinical Observations: Snapshots from Real Life
In the field, especially over the past 2–3 years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of child clients presenting with complaints of attention problems. For example, a 9-year-old boy prefers to play with Legos during sessions, but his attention span rarely exceeds 4–5 minutes; he quickly seeks another activity. His mother states that he watches YouTube Shorts for 3–4 hours a day at home and cannot even sit at the table without a screen while eating.
Another example is a 7-year-old girl. Her teacher reports that she has difficulty following instructions at school and frequently looks around during lessons. Interviews with her family reveal that she plays tablet games until late at night and has developed an addiction to fast-paced war and racing games.
In such children, before diagnosing attention deficit, screen time is initially assessed, and a digital detox plan is created with the parents. In some cases, significant improvement in attention is observed solely by reducing screen time and supporting structured activities.
Fast Content Consumption and Attention Problems
Fast, colorful, and reward-based content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok can dull children’s patience and waiting skills. These types of content increase dopamine release, providing short-term pleasure, but in the long term, they make it harder to adapt to the slower pace of real life. This can lead to impatience, attention distraction, and learning difficulties in classroom activities or social relationships.
In many children, the following behavioral patterns are observed: inability to maintain eye contact while the teacher is speaking, failure to complete writing tasks in notebooks, difficulty following instructions, and frequent movement around the classroom. All these signs may not indicate “attention deficit” alone but rather a mental structure conditioned to digital content.
Recommendations for Parents and Professionals
- Limit Screen Time: Age-appropriate screen time limits should be set and supported by household rules.
- Choose Quality Content: Educational, slow-paced, and interactive content should be preferred; content with artificial sound/visual intensity aimed at grabbing attention should be avoided.
- Encourage Alternative Activities: Activities that enhance focus such as board games, reading time, outdoor play, art, and crafts should be included in the daily routine.
- Be a Role Model: A parent’s relationship with technology serves as a model for the child. In a home where the parent is constantly on the phone, setting boundaries for the child will not be effective.
- Seek Professional Help: If attention problems disrupt functionality, a professional evaluation should be sought, and cognitive profiling should be conducted if necessary.
Conclusion
When used correctly, technology can be a powerful tool to support children’s development. However, unconscious and uncontrolled use can negatively impact skills such as attention and focus. Clinical observations also show that in many children with attention problems, the underlying cause is excessive and uncontrolled digital exposure. At this point, how children use technology as well as how aware and consistent parents and educators are about it plays a decisive role.
References:
- Christakis, D. A. (2004). Early television exposure and subsequent attentional problems in children. Pediatrics, 113(4), 708–713.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2016). Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591.