Teens’ constant social media use linked to ADHD

TEENAGERS who check social media several times a day are at risk of developing ADHD, research suggests.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder describes behavioural problems such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

Experts believe constant digital updates as the brain rapidly develops, makes teenagers struggle to give anything full attention. Researchers from the University of Southern California tracked 2,600 US teenagers aged 15-16 for two years, monitoring mobile device use and symptoms of ADHD. Those who checked their phones most were twice as likely to show signs of ADHD as those who used devices least.

A World Health Organisation report last year put the UK near the top of a European league of digital gadget use. Three quarters of UK teens aged 11-15 spend at least two hours a day on handheld devices.