If Your Child Is Losing Focus, Get Alert! Doctor Warns of ‘Digital Dementia’ in the Screen Age

In today’s hyper-connected world, children are growing up surrounded by screens: from smartphones and tablets to short-form content that delivers instant gratification. While digital tools offer convenience and entertainment, overexposure is triggering a silent cognitive crisis. 

Experts are now warning about a growing phenomenon called ‘digital dementia’, a condition where excessive screen time is leading to memory loss, reduced attention span, and poor focus, especially in Gen Z and Gen Alpha. 

To learn more about this growing issue, OnlyMyHealth talked to Dr Nishant Gopaa, Paediatric, Paediatric Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow, on how exposure to screens is now causing cognitive issues in kids.

What is Digital Dementia?

Digital dementia is the term used to describe the loss of cognitive functioning associated with overuse of screens, memory, and concentration. According to Dr Nishant, “Continuous exposure to digital distractions suppresses the brain capacity to develop robust long-term memories since children are dependent on the devices to feed them with information rather than learning it.”

According to the Neurology Centre for Epilepsy and Seizures journal, Chronic sensory overstimulation from excessive screen time can also result in memory and concentration problems. 

ALSO READ: Signs Your Body Is Begging for a Digital Detox

What are the Long-Term Effects of Short-Term Content on Kids?

In this digital age, content is at our fingertips and with the wide use of the internet, it is now accessible to kids as well. Even the ones who are in the developing phase (0-5 years) can lead to cognitive overload and make them addicted to screens. Dr Nishant explained the psychology behind it and said, “Short-form content (e.g. YouTube shorts, Instagram reels) delivers a quick dose of dopamine, making the brain prioritise immediate satisfaction. This rewires the brain, making it difficult for kids to concentrate on longer tasks and also lessening impulse control.”

Have Memory-Related Problems in Kids on the Rise After the Pandemic?

Dr Nishant explained, “Yes, as a Pediatric Neurologist, I have noticed that after the pandemic, even more children are facing problems with attention, remembering things and even virtual autism.

Causes of Digital Dementia: 

Talking about the factors leading to virtual autism and digital dementia in kids, Dr Nishant listed a few common causes. These include: 

• Isolation.
• Being torn away from routines.
• Decrease in outdoor physical activities.
• Signs of Digital Dementia in Kids
• Loss of concentration
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Deterioration of academic performance
• Poor social skills.

ALSO READ: From berries to broccoli, discover everyday foods that can help boost memory, enhance focus, and support long-term brain health. 

What Causes Decreased Attention Span and Impulse Control in Young Brains? 

The result of unceasing stimulation by digital devices gives a repetitive release of dopamine. “This dopamine rush often complicates the ability of kids to concentrate on less stimulating activities, thus weakening impulse control,” explained Dr Nishant.

What Can You Do to Help with Digital Dementia?

To curb the problem of digital dementia and other screen-exposure related illnesses, Dr Nishant listed a few pointers. These include: 

1. Limit Screens

Limit your kids’ time of using the screen and use offline methods, showing children the importance of real-life relationships.

2. Set Up Screen-Free Zones

Allocate specific times, such as the dining table and bedrooms, to be tech-free so that the family can bond without the use of tech.

3. Create a Family Screen Time Plan:

Set daily screen time restrictions and rules, and monitor their usage through apps to discipline.

According to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics Guidelines on Screen Time and Digital Wellness in Infants, Children and Adolescents (IAP), here are the guidelines for using screens: 

• No screens under 2 years
• 1 hour/day for ages 2–5
• 2 hours/day for ages 5–10

4. Provide An Incentive for interactive/Educational Usage

Learn, be creative and powerfully use screens and make them a reward for healthy screen time.

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5. Encourage Non-Screen and Outdoor Pastimes

Present new interests such as arts, music, cooking, etc. and introduce playing outdoors to promote cognitive and physical well-being.

6. Digital Detox Days and Tech-free Time

Have tech-free days or weekends regularly, have set meal times where technology is not present and continue to engage in family activities and reconnect with each other.

7. Learn Self-Regulation and Mindfulness

You should foster mindfulness (e.g. meditation, deep breathing) and integrative mindful use of media and use mindful pre-screening intentionally before using the screen.

Conclusion: Practise Mindful Screentime

In this digital age, where kids are more connected to their phones than ever before, it is important ot practise mindfulness. With phones, the internet and social media at our fingertips, it is important to know when to withdraw, especially when it starts to effect our children. However, it is in our hands and with early intervention and tips listed above, we can heal our children while allowing a healthy amount of screen-time.