Thesis Title: Exploring impact of digital technology on families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: towards developing an intervention for safe use.
Abstract: The increasing prevalence of digital technology in children’s lives poses both opportunities and risks, especially for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While technology offers educational benefits, children with ADHD are more vulnerable to its adverse impacts, including impaired attention, sleep disruptions, and amplifying the risk of addictive behaviour.
Research aims to develop an intervention to address the challenges of digital technology management for families of children with ADHD. This project involves three objectives: (1) explore how children with ADHD use technology and identify the specific parenting challenges (2) co-design (with parents and child behaviour experts) will help to develop new content to support parents in managing their child’s technology use (3) a pilot randomised controlled trial to evaluate the intervention’s acceptability and effectiveness.
This mixed-method study will use a systematic review to explore current knowledge on technology use in children with ADHD. In-depth interviews with parents and professionals will gather insights into their experiences and concerns. A screening questionnaire will identify parents needing support in managing their child’s technology use. Co-design workshops will develop an intervention presented in an e-book and on a simple website. A pilot randomized controlled trial will assess the intervention’s effectiveness in reducing parental concerns. Previous research used correlational designs to explore links between screen time and ADHD symptoms but didn’t fully address parenting challenges. This research aims to empower families to mitigate the negative effects of technology while maximizing its benefits for children with ADHD.
Primary Supervisor: Dr Katarzyna Kostyrka-Allchorne
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