Social media can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The rapid content shifts, constant notifications, and endless scrolling nature of social media apps play into the attention problems most common in ADHD. Compiling known behaviors with other potential issues of social media, like cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and addiction-like behavior, it is a mixed bag for teenagers, in general, and a potentially crippling medium for those with ADHD. While over-the-counter meds for ADHD child can help combat some of the attention and emotional problems of social networks, parents must educate themselves about ADHD and the best ways to approach the medium.
Hyperstimulation
People with ADHD have less efficient “filters” in their brains, meaning they cannot tune out distractions and irrelevant sensory information as effectively as someone without ADHD. Because their brains have a hard time tuning out distractions and sensory information, people with ADHD may seek extra stimulation to satisfy some underlying need. It seems counterintuitive, but it can help ease distractions.
Unfortunately, ADHD can also lead to sensory hyperstimulation, where the brain becomes so overloaded with sensory information like light, sounds, and movement that it triggers anxiety, stress, and possible panic. To avoid the negative feelings from sensory overload, some people with ADHD respond with hyperfocus on one thing or activity.
While that sounds beneficial, not every activity is rewarding. For example, ADHD people can become locked-into social media scrolling. Obsession can lead to people blocking out other people or activities that matter.
Some parents looking for ways to help their children may explore options like Thesis Nootropics or Brillia for ADHD symptoms. Thesis specializes in nootropics that use synthetic or natural ingredients to enhance cognitive functions like focus and memory. Because the company focuses on personalized options, it is relatively expensive. Also, with limited research, there are no guarantees it will benefit your ADHD child. Brillia is a homeopathic remedy that is safe and readily available. While it doesn’t take a personalized approach, it does claim to help with some ADHD symptoms.
Educate on ADHD
Reading Brillia ADHD reviews can provide insight into its potential benefits for people with ADHD. Still, parents must remember that ADHD is a biological issue; it relates to brain development. To help your child, you should focus on ADHD management with a qualified medical professional and adopt behavioral practices that can benefit your child, especially when it comes to things like social media, which can be a negative influence and trigger unhelpful behaviors.
Parents should focus on open communication, creating a nonjudgmental space for their teens. Allow them to express their experiences and concerns with social media use. Also, understand that not all social media use is harmful; some can positively influence development.
Collaborate with your teen about limit-setting. Don’t ban social media. Creating a ban only creates tension in the relationship. Instead of prohibiting the platforms, create tech-free times for the family.
Finally, encourage healthy habits. Promote physical activity and outdoor time. Help them develop consistent sleep routines. Also, discuss tech mindfulness, helping them manage emotional responses to social media and other technology.
Social media can hinder progress for people with ADHD, but it isn’t all bad. Talk to a medical professional about how to manage your teen’s ADHD and how to structure daily routines to include tech.
