Attention deficit is becoming common among young learners

As the National Day celebrations in Oman draw to a close, the sight of families and friends enjoying the cool outdoors was a heartening sight. Not so encouraging was the sight of young teenagers glued to their digital devices, even when outdoors.
Typically, youngsters can be seen scrolling furiously on their smartphones, impatient for the next reel to open. This is leading to a severe attention deficit crisis which is taking over young learners.
Researchers and educationists around the world have identified this as a prevalent and serious problem among all strata of society, especially youngsters.
Attention deficit can be easily identified as the inability to focus on any written piece of work, any conversation, or even any digital medium for longer than 30 seconds.
In schools, this is identified in a number of ways: students may fidget during lessons, fail to complete assignments, become easily distracted by the slightest external stimuli, and struggle to follow multi-step instructions.
There are many reasons why these challenges have appeared. The rapid access to technology has created an environment where children are accustomed to constant stimulation and instant gratification. These stimuli come in the form of video games, social media, and streaming services that provide instant gratification that makes traditional learning seem slow and repetitive.
Modern lifestyles have only added to such situations. Reduced physical activity and lack of adequate sleep because of constant interaction on social media means that children are not able to focus on other, seemingly more routine tasks. In fact, poor sleep patterns are known to compromise cognitive function and attention span.
Research also suggests that dietary habits also play a role. Excessive sugar consumption and nutritionally poor diets can affect energy levels, crashing energy levels by the end of the day.
There is much that all of us can do to reverse this trend. But it does require the cooperation and dedication of all concerned, starting with parents, teachers and the extended community.
Parents play the most important role in establishing rules around the house as well as becoming role models. Establishing healthy sleep schedules, limiting screen time, and ensuring nutritious meals is a big step forward.
Creating quiet, organised spaces for homework and maintaining regular communication with the children helps to identify any issues arising from their personality or performance.
In the classroom, teachers must implement strategies that encourage hands-on approaches to learning and build focus. Breaking lessons into smaller segments, incorporating movement breaks, and using varied teaching methods can help maintain engagement.
Of course, using visual aids, hands-on activities, and interactive learning makes content more accessible and engaging.
Physical activity is crucial. Schools can prioritise physical education, as exercise has been proven to improve concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function. Better connections between schools and parents will benefit the child.
Attention deficit is becoming a complex problem that requires sensitive but serious action. It requires an understanding of the reasons for this phenomenon. It also requires the coordination of all those involved and interested in the development of a constructive young generation.