A growing number of children and teenagers are struggling to focus — but their difficulties don’t always trace back to lifelong ADHD. Dr Sanjiv Nichani, a leading UK children’s consultant, has raised a pressing concern: heavy smartphone and social media use may be creating what he calls “acquired ADHD” in young people.
The idea is uncomfortable but plausible. Constant notifications, fast-paced apps and endless scrolling gradually train the brain to crave instant stimulation — making it progressively harder to concentrate on slower, less rewarding activities like homework, conversation or simply sitting quietly.
What does “acquired ADHD” look like in young people?
Young people affected 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
- Feel “not good enough” because of what they see online
- Struggle with sleep, anxiety or low mood
- Find it hard to switch off from social media
Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and it’s not your fault as a parent.
Does this mean screen time is the whole problem?
No-and this is important. ADHD is a real neurodevelopmental condition, and many young people genuinely need professional assessment and support. Dr Nichani and others are not dismissing that. What they are saying is that screens and social media are powerful enough to affect mood, focus and behaviour on their own- and they deserve a careful, honest look alongside any other concerns.
What can actually help?
Research and clinical experience point to a handful of changes that make a real difference for many families:
- Regular phone-free times and tech-free zones in the home
- Daily physical activity — walking, sport, outdoor play or dance
- More face-to-face conversation and shared activities
- Consistent, kind-but-firm limits around devices
These aren’t punishments. They’re ways of giving your child’s brain the conditions it needs to rest, reconnect and rebuild its capacity to focus.
When talking it through makes all the difference
If your child or teenager is struggling — with focus, sleep, anxiety, low mood, or feeling overwhelmed by social media — having a safe, structured space to explore what’s going on can be the turning point.
As an online counsellor and coach, I work with young people and parents to:
- Give young people a calm space to share how social media really feels
- Support parents to set kind but firm digital boundaries without conflict
- Develop practical, realistic plans to balance screen time with rest, movement and real-life connection
👉 Book your free 15-minute clarity call to find out whether this support is right for your family.
