The average attention span for a 16 year old is roughly 32 to 42 minutes, according to crossrivertherapy. Com.
Special education teacher Christy Guined expresses that technology is a major cause of shortened attention spans.
“The more students have technology, their phones, their chromebooks, video games, TVs and movies the shorter it seems to become,” Guined said.
If anyone meets senior Ky Wright, they may notice his short attention span.
“It has to be really important or entertaining before you lose my attention,” Wright said.
Wright states that the reason he has a hard time is hereditary.
“My short attention span is coming from my dad,” Wright said
As a result of lack of concentration, student’s grades can drop and sophomore Autumn Brown can attest to this.
“If I don’t pay attention, usually during notes, I won’t make as good of a grade on a test,” Brown said.
On the other hand, Wright states that his grades have not been impacted because of this.
“It doesn’t really affect my grades, I do most of my studying out of class…, but I have to take the initiative and get the work done at home,” Wright said.
Guined has some advice for teachers struggling to capture their students’ attention.
“I try to minimize the number of things I ask them to do at one time and keep it in short bits instead of trying to do a whole class long lecture,” Guined said.
For a student struggling to concentrate, this could lead to bigger issues including ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Try talking to a trusted adult about seeking methods or setting up a doctor’s appointment to help you.
