Today's teenagers seem to constantly have trouble staying focused, and that can cause problems in school and in everyday life. 

It's 8:30 AM and the classroom is already filled with whispers and laughter. As the teacher begins the lessons, he notices the same old familiar sight: students staring blankly at their phones or at the ceiling, their minds wandering far from the maths problems at hand.

So, what makes teenagers unable to concentrate?
These days, paying attention in a classroom is a very hard thing to do for students. However, this is not a new problem, as it's not difficult to get off topic.
This is what Teodora Şari, a student at Octavian Goga High School, has to say: "I consider myself a quite focused learner if I really put my mind to it. I can concentrate at school really well If I like the subject..unless my friends are laughing and making jokes. They can be really distracting. The same happens with mobile phones. It's hard not to check it when I have a new notifications."

First and foremost, we shall take a step back to learn and analyze different parts of the brain that make you stay focused. According to studies by Amy F.T. Arnsten, an American neuroscientist, your prefrontal, frontal cortex, which is the front of your brain, is the part that makes everyone stay focused.  Those parts of the brain control judgement, memories, perceptions and focus. The brain undergoes significant changes during adolescence, particularly in these areas responsible for cognitive functions. Although it’s perhaps the most well-known, ADHD is far from being the only reason why students struggle with focus at school. There are endless other medical conditions that impact the way you focus. Some include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, etc. Sleeping and eating habits also play a big role. If a pupil is not getting their recommended 8 hours of sleep and they also tend to skip breakfast, they won't have the energy needed to concentrate in class.
But what do human brains want the most? They crave novelty, excitement, and social connection, and devices play into those desires. Checking a notification flashing across the screen can provide a small hit of dopamine, creating a sense of reward that keeps everyone coming back for more. So, the more they give in to temptation by pausing a task to check the phone, the less productive they'll be.
A research by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that helps kids, parents and schools navigate media, shows that the average teen spends more than 7 hours looking at their mobile every day. That is a concerning statistic, as their screen time seems to have increased significantly over the years.

Insights from a therapist

To gain a deeper understanding of this issue, I spoke with Dr. Aurora L., an ex-therapist specialized in adolescents' mental health, who worked at Pro Clinic Galați; "So, what are your thoughts on this subject? Why is it harder for students to keep their focus nowadays than it was in the past?"
Dr. Aurora: "Teenagers today are facing a unique set of challenges. The pressure from their parents or teachers to perform academically and socially can be overwhelming at times. Therefore, a lot of students feel burnt out and can't focus anymore. Also, the constant connectivity offered by today's advanced technology means that they are rarely unplugged, which is also a big problem. Social media is a blessing and a curse." She suggests that creating structured routines and setting clear boundaries with technology can help. "Encouraging students to take regular breaks from screens and engage in physical activity can significantly improve their focus and mental health."

The human brain PHOTO: Ana-Maria Zlat. Image: PHOTO: Ana-Maria Zlat.

The Role of Parents and Teachers

Parents and teachers play a crucial role in helping students get over these challenges. Parents should set reasonable expectations and provide support. They should understand their kids, especially if they are burnt out and need a break. The more pressure their family puts on them, the more mentally exhausted they'll feel, leading to disinterest in previously enjoyed activities, being unable to focus, and getting poorer school results. Educators can make a difference by incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into their teaching.

Lifestyle strategies

Being unable to concentrate may be a temporary state. Everyone should be able to resolve it with lifestyle strategies and changes. For example:
-Getting enough sleep
-Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet
-Remaining hydrated
-Taking part in physical activity
-Managing stress
-Taking short breaks every 30 minutes or so
-Focusing on one task at a time rather than multitasking

Treatment options

If symptoms persist and you are beginning to think your teenager's difficulty concentrating may be due to an underlying health issue, you can contact a doctor for advice. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe treatment, like medications for anxiety or mood disorders or therapy for mental health conditions, such as depression.

Teodora Şari, a student at Octavian Goga High School, being distracted in class PHOTO: Ana-Maria Zlat. Image: PHOTO: Ana-Maria Zlat.

Conclusion

So, to wrap it all up, there are a lot of factors affecting teenagers' focus nowadays. With so many distractions, it's really hard to pay attention all the time in class, especially when you also struggle with other issues. But while the challenges of maintaining focus are undeniable, that doesn't mean we don't have solutions. By acknowledging the root causes of the problem and implementing strategies, teachers and parents can help students to achieve their full academic potential.