A recent study from ABC News shows that increased screen time is creating more diagnoses with ADHD at preschool age. This is incredibly concerning because of what we know about neuroplasticity. Brains are the most “plastic” in the early development stages and into adolescence. Screen time increases can have detrimental effects across your children’s lifespans.
Because of Kid’s Increased Screen Time, There is An Increase in Anxiety.
Psychcentral.com posted a new study that shows how anxiety levels are increasing for children, especially teenagers, as technology use increases. While this may not be surprising with the rise in technological advances, we do not yet know the long term effects on the brain. We can only project based on how young brains are already functioning, and the projections are not promising for healthy brain function. Anxiety and depression are so bad that the World Health Organization (WHO) have added “gaming addiction” to their classification system, as well as it being added in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) (6C51).
How Are Focus and Stress Impacted by Electronic Use?
The effects of screen time can negatively affect all people, but it is much worse for kids, especially those with ADHD and Anxiety, because of the neuroplasicity. This effect is called “Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS)” or otherwise known as “Digital Dementia”. Digital Dementia can make a child want screen time even more than other kids because it is essentially addicted to screen, making their brain feel good once given the “drug of choice.” Screen time “wires and tires” the brain, as Dr. Trish Leigh would say. Electronics and screen time continually wire the brain and then tire it, creating never ending cycles of perpetual irritability, exhaustion, decreased ability to focus, and anxiousness.
The Good News!
The good news is IT IS REVERSIBLE! If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD or Anxiety and need help improving focus and decreasing stress, call Chattanooga BrainCore. We have made it our speciality to re-wire those tired brains so that they can learn healthy patterns and reach their full potential.
We offer free, no-obligation phone consultations if you would like to learn more, or call us to schedule the qEEG!