Mothers' perceptions of the impact of screen-time on the quality of life of their adolescents with ADHD

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and screen-time are two very prominent terms, both in Malta as well as overseas. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore mothers’ perceptions of the impact of screen-time on the quality of life of their adolescents with ADHD. Seven semi-structured interviews were administered, which were later analysed using Thematic Analysis (TA). The participants were all mothers whose offspring were adolescents between 11 and 16 years old, diagnosed with ADHD and followed by the ADHD Malta Support Group. Their youngsters also made use of electronic devices. Six main themes emerged, namely screen-time use, effect on relationship, physical effect, effect on education, effect on mental health and the way forward. Results showed that adolescents make use of different gadgets excessively, with the mobile phone being the most popular and the television being the least used gadget. Moreover, findings yielded that screen-time may carry both beneficial and unfavourable effects on the adolescents’ relationships. Mothers also perceived screen-time to have an effect on the teenagers’ sleeping, eating and physical activity. When it comes to education, both constructive and adverse effects were mentioned. Participants also alluded that screen-time leaves a remarkable effect on their adolescents’ moodiness, suggesting to limit screen-time use. Being one of the first research studies dealing with this topic, this study is very beneficial as it gives a new viewpoint in the Maltese literature.