As parents, we all want what’s best for our kids. So, seeing them constantly lose focus and get distracted by simple stuff can make us all hot and bothered. You might have asked them why they are having trouble focusing on studying and heard them say: “I can’t focus on studying because it’s too boring.”
Sometimes, it seems like all they want to do is listen to music or play video games. This can make you think they’re going to end up unsuccessful and homeless. But, before you freak out, take a deep breath and read this article.
Source: mattallenproductions.com based on a study done by Microsoft
Why Does Your Child Lose Focus Fast?
There are various reasons why your child can’t stay focused during long study sessions. It’s partly a natural occurrence. The attention span of humans has dropped from 12 to 8 seconds between 2000 and 2013. So, with an attention span shorter than that of a goldfish, it’s not very odd that your child gets distracted easily. However, an excessive lack of focusing ability can indicate other underlying issues, which we will talk about below:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Simply put, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD is a condition where a person can hardly concentrate. A person with ADHD is constantly distracted by what happens around them because they have a lot on their mind and want to do so many things at the same time. The most common symptoms include:
- Making impulsive decisions
- Squirming a lot
- Forgetting important stuff
- Taking too many risks
Most experts believe that genetics is an important cause of ADHD. No other specified risk factors for this disorder have been determined to this day. However, there are some studies that show an association between problematic use of social media and ADHD.
People with this condition typically face numerous challenges in their academic and professional endeavors. This is why it is critical to diagnose and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Anxiety Disorders
We’ve all been there. When we are anxious, it’s really hard to pay attention to what the open book in front of us is saying. I remember that during a very stressful time in my life, I often forgot about things I had to do on a daily basis. But this is not solely based on assumptions. Studies show that anxiety disorders can cause forgetfulness and lack of concentration.
Poor Sleeping Habits and Diet
It can be really hard to focus when you’re sleepy. The same goes for kids who need to spend long hours inside a classroom and follow a strict study schedule. Plus, a poor diet with too much sugar and fat can create health problems that will lower a child’s focusing abilities.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions such as iron deficiency and thyroid dysfunction can contribute to a lack of focus. It’s important to get your child checked regularly and be aware of any physical symptoms that might indicate a problem.
Too Much Screen Time
According to studies, social media has different effects on each adolescent. The effect depends on each individual’s characteristics. A comprehensive study about the influence of social media revealed that after passive social media use, 44% of teenagers said they didn’t feel any different, while 46% felt better, and 10% felt worse.
But it’s different when it comes to “excessive” internet usage. Spending too much time on a phone can lead to screen addiction and lower concentration. Read our blog about the dangers of social media for kids and ways to control their social media usage.
How to Help Your Child Regain Focus While Studying
The solution depends on the cause of the problem. If you suspect that your child has any of the above-mentioned conditions, consult a doctor for a diagnosis and start a treatment plan. You will see improvements as the treatment goes on.
You can also make small changes to their day-to-day life to help the situation. For instance, try to pay extra attention to your child’s nutrition and sleeping pattern. Regular exercise can help them stay healthy and maintain focus while studying. Also, make sure they are mentally healthy and happy as well. Don’t forget to communicate with them regularly and ask them how they feel or what they want.
It’s also helpful to create a distraction-free study environment for them at home. No digital devices should be allowed in the study space unless your child needs them for educational purposes. Background noise in the study area can also make them lose focus. Therefore, it’s important that you stay quiet and minimize any background noise when they’re doing homework.
Additionally, you can use time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to help them concentrate better. This technique consists of having manageable chunks (usually 25 minutes) of effective studying followed by 5-minute breaks. Set a timer so that you don’t lose time. Taking a break can help them decompress, which can lead to good grades eventually. However, make sure what they do during breaks is not so distracting that it disrupts their focus completely.
On the other hand, if you think the reason why they can’t stay focused during study time is excessive phone usage, you can download and install the Safes parental control app to limit their time spent on the internet. You can also make a schedule according to which your child can use each app. What’s more, you can get activity reports that will show you if a certain app or website is being used too much. You can sign up for a free trial and start using Safes today!
Bottom Line
The information that’s spread so easily throughout the internet is a double-edged sword. It can sensitize the public to important issues. But also, it can lead to misjudgments and in our case, misdiagnosis. Keep in mind that all the above conditions need thorough medical examinations and can’t be diagnosed with simple symptom observation.
Another important point is that if your kid is having trouble focusing on studying, you shouldn’t accuse them of laziness. You should be understanding. Talk to them and try to find solutions on how to study if they can’t concentrate.
