In today’s fast-paced digital era, it’s easy for our children to get swept up in the constant stream of notifications, videos and social media updates. As Malaysian parents, many of us worry about our kids spending too much time on their devices. We see them glued to their screens, endlessly scrolling through TikTok or Instagram Reels.
This “doomscrolling”, as it’s often called, can have a surprising effect, shrinking their attention spans down to what feels like just a few seconds. If you find your child struggling to concentrate on schoolwork, conversations, or even a simple story, you’re not alone. Many paediatricians and child development experts across Malaysia are hearing these very same concerns and believe they are valid. The way modern technology is designed – to be addictive and constantly rewarding – is directly impacting our children’s ability to focus.
The impact of digital life on focus
The constant engagement with digital technology fundamentally reshapes a teenager’s brain, making it challenging to maintain sustained attention and deep concentration. Here’s what happens:
- A brain rewired for distraction: The internet and social media are engineered to be addictive. Notifications, new content, and the desire for social connection provide small “dopamine hits”, which create a reward loop. The brain is effectively trained to seek out these frequent, short bursts of novelty and excitement.
- The cost of “task switching”: When a teen’s focus is interrupted by a notification or the urge to check their phone, their brain must shift gears. This constant task switching negatively affects the quality and speed of their work.
- The data on attention: Research suggests that the average amount of time people stay focused on a single task while using a device has dropped significantly. What was once measured in minutes is now measured in seconds.
What are the effects?
A reduced attention span is more than a minor annoyance as it can have profound effects on a teen’s development and daily life. These include:
- Academic struggles: Constant distraction makes it difficult to concentrate during homework or classes, which can lead to poorer academic performance.
- Reduced quality of work: A brain that is constantly switching tasks cannot engage in the deep, sustained thought required for complex problem-solving and creative thinking.
- Anxiety and stress: The pressure to be constantly available and the “fear of missing out” (FOMO) can lead to heightened anxiety and stress.
How parents can help
Parents can play a crucial role in helping their children reclaim their focus. Here are some tips you can try:
- Create a distraction-free zone: Encourage your teen to put their phone in another room while they are doing homework. Even having a phone nearby can make it harder to focus.
- Cultivate new habits: Suggest that your teen start by deliberately ignoring notifications for a short period and gradually increase the duration over time. Or try other forms of regular digital detox.
- Prioritise and visualise goals: Help your teen write down their goals on a sticky note and place it somewhere visible. This helps them visualise the positive outcome of completing a task.
- Promote well-being: Ensure your teen is getting enough sleep. A well-rested brain is better equipped to focus and resist distraction. Parents are also advised to encourage breaks and outdoor time. By taking regular breaks and spending time outdoors, teens could help reset their minds and improve focus.
- Be a role model: Most importantly, parent should walk the talk. Limit your own use of phone and gadgets and follow the rules you set up for your child.
Ultimately, helping our teens navigate this digital landscape isn’t about eliminating technology, but about teaching them mindful use and digital self-control. By implementing these strategies, we can empower them to reclaim their focus, improve their well-being and thrive both in and out of the digital world.
