The Brain Charity

Online environments often encourage quick responses.

Messages, notifications and social interactions can create pressure to respond immediately.

For young people with ADHD, impulsivity can make it difficult to pause and consider consequences.

Examples may include:

• clicking links without checking them
• responding emotionally to messages
• sharing personal information quickly
• posting comments without thinking

Research by ADHD expert Russell A. Barkley highlights how impulsivity can influence risk-taking behaviour.

Parents can help young people develop pause strategies, such as:

• waiting before replying to messages
• checking with a trusted adult
• reviewing posts before sharing them