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Doomscrolling: Helping Children Step Away from the Scroll
Many parents will recognise the pattern. A child picks up a device to check one thing, but 45 minutes later, they are still scrolling through dramatic stories, upsetting videos or endless social media content.
This habit has a name: doomscrolling.
Doomscrolling is not simply spending too much time online. It is the repeated scrolling through negative, upsetting or emotionally charged content, even when it begins to make us feel anxious, stressed or overwhelmed.
Adults can fall into this habit, too. However, children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable because they are still developing the emotional regulation, critical thinking, and impulse control needed to recognise when online content affects their well-being.
Why can it be difficult to stop?
Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat are designed to keep users engaged. When someone watches or engages with particular types of content, the platform may show more of the same.
Fear, curiosity, and the worry that they might miss something can keep children scrolling much longer than they intend. Their feeds can gradually become more negative or emotionally intense.
How can doomscrolling affect children?
Regular exposure to distressing content can contribute to:
- Anxiety and stress: Children may become worried, fearful or emotionally exhausted.
- Sleep problems: Scrolling before bed can make it harder to fall asleep and can affect mood the following day.
- Difficulty concentrating: Fast-moving content can make quieter activities, conversations and schoolwork feel more difficult.
- Emotional desensitisation: Repeated exposure to bullying, aggression or risky trends can make harmful behaviour seem normal.
- Feeling overwhelmed: A constant stream of bad news or online drama can leave children feeling powerless or hopeless.
Possible signs include difficulty putting a device down, disrupted sleep, irritability, constant checking of notifications, or appearing anxious after spending time online.
What can parents do?
The most important starting point is conversation. Ask your child what they are seeing online and how it makes them feel. Try to listen without immediately criticising the apps they use. Children are more likely to talk openly when they know they will not be judged or blamed.
A few practical steps can also make a real difference:
- Keep bedrooms device-free overnight.
- Encourage a break from social media before bedtime.
- Create regular screen-free family time.
- Help children unfollow upsetting accounts and block harmful content.
- Encourage offline activities that help them reset, such as sport, music, reading, outdoor play or time with friends.
- Model healthy habits ourselves by putting devices away during meals and family conversations.
It can also help children to pause and ask themselves:
“Do I feel better or worse after scrolling?”
That simple question helps build self-awareness and gives children permission to step away.
A balanced approach
The online world offers wonderful opportunities for learning, creativity and connection. Our goal is not to make children fearful of technology. It is to help them use it thoughtfully and recognise when it is beginning to affect their wellbeing.
As parents and caregivers, we can make a difference by staying interested, keeping conversations open and helping children develop healthy habits early.
A useful first step this week: talk with your child about what they enjoy watching online, what sometimes worries them, and what helps them know when it is time to take a break.
Next Whānau Time - Friday 12 June:
The theme is "I Belong". Everyone welcome. You can also follow along with our Live Stream on our Facebook page if you are unable to be here at that time. https://www.facebook.com/westheights.school
If you want to catch up on previous Live Streams and other school event videos, you can visit our Western Heights YouTube channel here: Western Heights YouTube Channel.
There are over 550 videos available to view, with more to come soon. It's a cool way to take a trip back through time, too.
As always, if you have questions or concerns about anything school-related, email me at macash@mac.com, and I will get back to you asap.
My very best regards to you all,
Ash Maindonald
Principal.
