Recently, a UK children’s consultant, Dr Sanjiv Nichani, has raised concerns that some young people are developing attention and behaviour problems that may be linked to heavy smartphone and tablet use, rather than to lifelong ADHD alone. He has described this as a form of “acquired ADHD” – where constant notifications, fast‑paced apps and endless scrolling seem to train the brain to seek instant stimulation and make it harder to focus on everyday tasks.
Young people in this situation often say they:
- Struggle to finish homework or concentrate in lessons
- Feel “addicted” to their phone or games
- Cannot relax without a screen and feel bored or restless very quickly
Dr Nichani and others emphasise that reducing screen time and increasing movement and real‑world connection can significantly improve these difficulties for some children and teenagers. That might include:
- Regular phone‑free times and tech‑free zones in the home
- Daily physical activity (walking, sports, outdoor play, dance)
- More face‑to‑face conversations and shared activities
This does not mean every child with attention problems “just needs less screen time” – ADHD is real and many young people genuinely need assessment and support. But it does mean screens and social media are powerful enough to affect mood, focus and behaviour, and are worth looking at carefully alongside any other help.
If your child or teenager is:
- Struggling with focus, sleep, anxiety or low mood
- Feeling left out or “not good enough” because of what they see online
- Finding it hard to switch off from social media
…talking together in a safe, structured way can help you both understand what is going on and plan realistic changes.
As an online counsellor and coach, sessions can offer:
- A calm space for young people to share how social media really feels
- Support for parents trying to set kind but firm boundaries
- Practical ideas to balance screen time with movement, rest and real‑life connection
If you’d like to explore this, you’re welcome to get in touch for a free 15‑minute clarity call to see whether this support might be right for your family. Just DM me the word “connect”
