Screen Time and the ADHD Brain

ADHD brains are magnetically drawn to screens because they provide immediate feedback, clear progression, predictable rewards, and high stimulation - elements that ADHD brains need to feel engaged. Instead of fighting this, parents can work WITH their child's neurology by incorporating these same elements into homework, social situations, and family life.

  Key Insights:

  - 20-25% of ADHD children struggle with problematic internet use (double neurotypical rates)

  - Screens don't cause ADHD but can exacerbate existing attention challenges

  - Hyperfocus on screens shows what kind of environment helps ADHD brains engage

  - Up to 1 hour of educational screen time shows no significant association with ADHD symptoms

  Practical Strategies:

  - Add immediate feedback to homework (timers, check-off lists)

  - Create clear progression markers (visual charts, playlists)

  - Build predictable rewards ("if-then" agreements)

  - Incorporate movement and high stimulation into learning