Self-Regulation and Digital Distractions Among Young People: Implications for Learning and Personal Development
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper examines how digital distractions can affect young people's ability to focus on their goals, learning, and personal development. It draws on existing research to discuss self-regulation, the challenges young people face when managing their attention, and practical ways to develop better habits around digital technology. It also discusses how parents, teachers, and youth-development organisations can help young people manage distractions, practise self-discipline, and make thoughtful choices about how they use their time. This is a research-informed conceptual discussion paper based on existing literature. It is not an empirical study or a systematic literature review. Author: Susan Shefia Simon Affiliation: Purposia Global Institute
Author: Simon, Susan Shefia
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7224079312