Many parents have noticed it. A child picks up their phone to quickly check one thing… and 45 minutes later they are still scrolling through upsetting videos, dramatic news stories or endless social media content.
This behaviour has become so common that it now has a name: doomscrolling.
While adults can fall into this habit too, children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing and they often lack the emotional tools to process large amounts of distressing content online.
What Is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling refers to continuously scrolling through negative, upsetting or emotionally charged content online — even when it starts to make us feel anxious, stressed or overwhelmed.
This can include:
- frightening news stories,
- online arguments,
- distressing videos,
- disaster coverage,
- violent content,
- cyberbullying,
- influencer drama,
- or emotionally intense social media posts.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible. The more someone watches, clicks or reacts to certain content, the more similar content the algorithm will often serve them.
For children, this can quickly create an unhealthy cycle where their feed becomes increasingly negative or emotionally overwhelming.
Why Are Children More Vulnerable?
Children and teens are still developing:
- emotional regulation,
- critical thinking skills,
- impulse control,
- and the ability to recognise when something online is affecting their mental wellbeing.
Many young people also struggle to “switch off” once emotionally invested in content. Fear, curiosity and social pressure can all keep them scrolling longer than they intended.
Some children may also feel:
- worried they will “miss something,”
- pressured to stay updated with trends or school gossip,
- or anxious about world events they don’t fully understand.
How Doomscrolling Can Affect Children
Increased Anxiety and Stress
Constant exposure to upsetting content can leave children feeling worried, fearful or emotionally exhausted.
Younger children may struggle to separate online stories from immediate real-world danger, while teens may become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of negative information they consume.
Sleep Problems
Many children scroll late at night when emotions tend to feel stronger and content moderation is lower.
Doomscrolling before bed can:
- make it harder to fall asleep,
- increase stress levels,
- and negatively affect mood the following day.
Emotional Desensitisation
Repeated exposure to shocking or distressing material can slowly normalise harmful behaviour or reduce emotional sensitivity over time.
Children may begin seeing:
- bullying,
- aggressive behaviour,
- or risky online trends
as “normal” because they encounter them so often online.
Difficulty Concentrating
Children who spend large amounts of time consuming fast-moving, emotionally intense content may struggle to focus on:
- schoolwork,
- hobbies,
- face-to-face conversations,
- or quieter activities offline.
Feeling Hopeless or Overwhelmed
A constant stream of negative world events, conflict or online drama can leave some young people feeling powerless or emotionally drained.
Signs Your Child May Be Doomscrolling
Some signs may include:
- spending long periods endlessly scrolling,
- appearing anxious or upset after using devices,
- difficulty putting devices down,
- disrupted sleep,
- mood changes,
- irritability,
- constantly checking notifications,
- or becoming emotionally reactive to online content.
What Parents Can Do
Talk Openly About Online Content
Ask children what they are seeing online and how it makes them feel.
Try to avoid judgement or immediately criticising the platforms they use. Open conversations often lead to more honest discussions.
Encourage Healthy Digital Habits
Simple changes can help significantly, such as:
- device-free bedrooms,
- screen-free family time,
- limiting social media before bed,
- and encouraging regular offline activities.
Teach Children to Recognise Emotional Triggers
Help children notice when content is affecting their mood.
Questions like:
- “How does this make you feel?”
- “Do you feel better or worse after scrolling?”
can help build self-awareness.
Curate Their Online Environment
Encourage children to:
- unfollow upsetting accounts,
- use platform wellbeing tools,
- block harmful content,
- and seek out positive or educational creators instead.
Model Healthy Behaviour
Children often copy adult habits. If parents are constantly checking upsetting news or scrolling during family time, children may see this as normal behaviour.
Final Thoughts
The internet gives children access to incredible opportunities for learning, creativity and connection. However, it also exposes them to an endless stream of emotionally charged content that can be difficult to process.
Doomscrolling is not simply “too much screen time.” It is about how constant exposure to negative content can affect a child’s mental wellbeing, sleep, stress levels and overall emotional health.
By staying involved, encouraging open conversations and helping children develop healthier online habits, parents can play an important role in helping young people build a safer and more balanced relationship with technology.
