In her interview, Professor Walitza explains that intense or unhealthy screen habits can quickly make existing, subtle ADHD symptoms much worse. Surprisingly, this behavior can cause similar focus and concentration struggles even in teenagers who do not have the condition at all. Young people with untreated ADHD are also much more vulnerable to falling into unhealthy digital habits in the first place. According to the psychiatrist, parents and teens should worry when screen time starts cutting into sleep, daily chores are pushed aside, or when putting the phone down brings real frustration and discomfort.

Interestingly, the mental health toll comes less from the hours spent looking at a screen and more from the content itself. Constantly scrolling through unrealistic beauty standards on social media or stumbling upon violent videos triggers the highest levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Even so, Professor Walitza believes strict digital bans are not the answer. Online spaces help teenagers stay connected and escape from school pressure. Instead of trying to lock devices away, the focus should be on teaching digital literacy and building safer, healthier online environments.