23 Feb The Impact of Social Media on Kids with ADHD: Understanding the Risks
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of the lives of our youth at younger ages. A 2022 study shows that by age 14, 91% of children have a cell phone. According to Common Sense Media, adolescents use their phones daily, with a median use time of over four hours, and pick up their phones a median of 51 times per day. Smartphone use is synonymous with social media access for kids, affecting the impact of “influencers” on youth’s emotional development.
Adolescence and childhood represent a critical stage in brain development that can make young people more vulnerable to harm from social media. The U.S. Surgeon General issued a new health advisory in 2023 on the detrimental effects of social media use on youth’s mental health. For kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the potential risks associated with social media use may be amplified. With ADHD already presenting challenges related to impulse control and emotional regulation, excessive social media use can pose greater consequences for these youth.
A recent survey conducted by ADDitude offers greater insight into the relationship between ADHD and social media. The findings indicate that a significant portion of teens with ADHD are active users of social media platforms, with 72% of kids aged ten and older who have ADHD reporting usage of such platforms. Alarmingly, according to the survey, teens with ADHD who engage with social media are approximately 70% more likely to experience adverse mental health effects compared to their peers who do not use social media. These effects range from heightened anxiety and sadness to sleep disturbances and depression. The survey also highlights that there is a different impact based on gender, with a substantial percentage of girls with ADHD who are active on social media reporting issues related to eating disorders (21%) and self-harm (nearly 18%).
A 2022 study in Brain Sciences investigated the relationship between adolescents with ADHD demonstrating more problematic social media use than their typically developing peers. The researchers summarized that a higher intensity of social media use seems to be related to higher levels of ADHD. Additionally, individuals with ADHD were more likely to display problematic social media use behaviors, including overuse, addiction-like behaviors, and the posting of problematic content. Existing ADHD interventions could address these underlying mechanisms and offer clinical recommendations for therapists working with adolescents exhibiting problematic social media use alongside ADHD symptoms, with interventions targeting three fundamental mechanisms: neurobiology, peer interactions, and parenting practices.
Several factors may contribute to the heightened risks faced by teens with ADHD in the realm of social media. Emotional dysregulation, a common symptom of ADHD, can exacerbate the impact of online interactions, leading to increased susceptibility to cyberbullying and heightened emotional responses to harmful content. An additional factor is time blindness, a characteristic of ADHD where individuals struggle to perceive and manage the passage of time, which can result in excessive screen time and an inability to disengage from social media platforms. Poor impulse control further compounds these issues, making it challenging for individuals with ADHD to resist the urge to engage in risky online behaviors.
Parents, educators, and mental health professionals must acknowledge and address the unique challenges that kids with ADHD face in the digital age. Strategies for mitigating the risks associated with social media use among this demographic include:
- Education and Awareness: Providing children with ADHD with age-appropriate education about the potential dangers of social media, including cyberbullying, misinformation, and unhealthy comparisons.
- Establishing Clear Boundaries: Setting limits on screen time and establishing guidelines for appropriate social media usage can help mitigate the negative impact of excessive online engagement.
- Encouraging Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Teaching children with ADHD alternative coping strategies, such as mindfulness, exercise, and creative outlets, can empower them to manage their emotions and reduce reliance on social media for validation.
- Open Communication: Fostering an environment of open communication where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and seeking support when needed can facilitate early intervention and prevent the escalation of concerns.
- Collaborative Monitoring: Collaborating with children with ADHD to monitor their online activity and identify potential red flags can promote accountability and enable timely intervention when necessary.
While social media can offer valuable opportunities for connection and self-expression, it also presents significant risks, especially for youth with ADHD. By understanding the unique challenges faced by this demographic and implementing proactive strategies to address them, we can empower children with ADHD to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.