How parents can help teens addicted to doomscrolling

Parents play a pivotal role in helping their children navigate the digital age in healthier ways. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to doomscrolling due to their developing brains and limited ability to process and filter information.

Before addressing the issue, it’s important to understand why children engage in doomscrolling. Curiosity, fear of missing out (FOMO), social media algorithms, and peer influence are common triggers. Recognising these factors helps parents adopt tailored strategies to reduce this behavior effectively.

Strategies for parents

Lead by example: Children often mimic their parents’ habits. If they see you constantly scrolling through your phone, they are likely to do the same. Set an example by practicing mindful use of technology and limiting your own screen time.

Introduce healthy media literacy: Introduce healthy media habits in your daily conversations. Teach your child to differentiate between reliable and sensationalist news sources. Explain how social media algorithms work and why platforms often prioritise negative or engaging content. This awareness can empower them to make smarter choices about what they consume.

Encourage positive content consumption: Help your child explore uplifting and educational content. Introduce them to accounts and websites that align with their interests but promote positivity and growth, such as science channels, art tutorials, or fitness programs.

Opt out of notifications: Notifications—those constant beeps and dings alerting us to new headlines, emails, and messages—are often self-selected distractions. Encourage your child to turn off non-essential notifications by reviewing phone settings together. This helps re-establish boundaries with their devices.

Focus on the present: Teach your teenager to focus on the “now” rather than worrying about an unpredictable future. Encourage them to ask, “What can I do to feel better at this moment?” Shifting focus to the present can help reduce anxiety and overthinking caused by doomscrolling.