We live in a time when children’s attention spans seem to be in crisis. It is increasingly common to hear that children have difficulty concentrating in school, are easily distracted, and need constant stimulation to stay interested. However, this reality is not simply an individual problem, but is deeply influenced by the environment in which they grow up.
Experts such as Johann Hari, author of the book “The Value of Attention”, and neuroscientist David Bueno, author of the book “Educate Your Brain”, have analyzed this problem from different perspectives, providing valuable information about its causes and, most importantly, strategies to improve attention capacity in children.
Why do children have more difficulty concentrating nowadays?
The problem of lack of attention in children is not a matter of lack of will or discipline, but the result of multiple environmental, technological and educational factors.
Johann Hari argues that we live in a world designed to fragment attention. Technology, especially mobile devices and social media, has created an environment of constant overstimulation that makes it difficult for children to focus on a single task for extended periods. By being exposed to notifications, short videos and highly stimulating games, their brains become accustomed to instant gratification, which reduces their patience and ability to sustain attention in less dynamic activities, such as reading or studying.
On the other hand, David Bueno emphasizes that attention and learning are directly related to emotion. When an activity generates curiosity and enthusiasm in the child, their brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which strengthen neural connections and facilitate concentration. On the other hand, if a task is perceived as boring or too difficult, attention is dispersed more quickly.
In addition to technology and the lack of appropriate stimuli, there are other factors that affect children’s attention span, such as reduced free play, academic pressure, stress at home, and poor sleeping and eating habits.
Key factors affecting child care
To better understand why children have difficulty concentrating, it is important to analyze some of the main factors that influence their attention span:
- The digital environment and overstimulation
Excessive screen use and constant exposure to quick-gratification content affect the way children’s brains process information. Apps like TikTok, YouTube, and video games designed with immediate rewards habituate the brain to constant stimulation, making it difficult to focus on tasks that require more mental effort.
Hari explains that many of these platforms are designed to capture and hold users’ attention for as long as possible, generating a kind of digital addiction. In children, this can translate into a reduced ability to maintain concentration in school activities or even in everyday conversations.
- Lack of free play and time in nature
Free play and exploration in nature have declined significantly in recent decades, affecting children’s cognitive and emotional development. In the past, children spent more time playing outside, making up stories, and solving problems without constant adult supervision. These activities encouraged creativity, autonomy, and the ability to concentrate.
David Bueno highlights that contact with nature has a positive impact on attention and emotional well-being. Being in a natural environment reduces stress, improves emotional regulation and helps restore the ability to concentrate.
- Stress and academic pressure
The current education system tends to prioritize memorization and results over creativity and active learning. Children are subjected to increasingly rigid schedules, with less time for play, art and physical education. This academic pressure can lead to stress, which in turn affects the ability to pay attention and learn.
Hari argues that when children are stressed or anxious, their brains activate survival mechanisms that make it difficult to concentrate. In this sense, a more flexible educational approach based on meaningful learning could improve attention and school performance.
- Healthy habits: sleep, nutrition and exercise
Sleep is a key factor in attention span. However, many children don’t get enough sleep due to screen time before bed, irregular schedules, and high stress levels. Lack of sleep affects memory, concentration, and emotional regulation.
Diet also plays a role. A diet high in processed sugars and ultra-processed foods can cause fluctuations in energy levels and affect your ability to concentrate. On the other hand, regular physical exercise improves blood circulation to the brain, which promotes attention and memory.
How to improve attention in children?
Both Johann Hari and David Bueno agree that attention span is not something fixed, but can be trained and improved with the right strategies. Here are some key recommendations to help children develop better concentration:
- Reduce screen time
It’s not about eliminating technology completely, but about establishing healthy boundaries. It’s advisable to reduce the time spent on electronic devices and encourage activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading, board games, and art.
- Incorporate emotion-based learning
For children to maintain attention, it is essential that they find meaning and excitement in what they are learning. Teaching methods based on experimentation, curiosity and gamification can make learning more engaging and effective.
- Promote free play and exploration
Allowing children to play without constant adult supervision encourages autonomy, creativity, and the ability to concentrate. In addition, contact with nature helps reduce mental fatigue and improves sustained attention.
- Promote healthy habits
Adequate sleep, a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for cognitive development. It is recommended to avoid using screens before bed and ensure that children sleep at least 9 to 11 hours per night, depending on their age.
- Create a distraction-free environment
When studying or performing a task that requires concentration, it is important to minimize distractions. Creating a quiet space, without noise or electronic devices nearby, helps children focus better.
conclusion
Attention deficit in children is not simply an individual problem, but the result of multiple environmental and social factors. Technology, lack of free play, academic stress, and unhealthy habits are affecting children’s ability to concentrate and learn effectively.
However, the good news is that attention is not a fixed capacity, but can be improved with the right strategies. Limiting screen time, encouraging emotion-based learning, promoting free play and establishing healthy habits are key actions to help children develop better concentration and, with this, enhance their learning and well-being.
In a world full of distractions, it is the responsibility of adults to create an environment that fosters children’s attention and holistic development. With small changes in routine and educational approach, we can help the little ones regain the ability to concentrate, learn and enjoy the world around them.
Do not hesitate to consult us if your child presents any of these difficulties. Our Psychology service can advise you on what is most appropriate in each particular case.
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