Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

255: Can Teens Really Study While Scrolling?

Jan 20, 2026

Today's teens grapple with studying amidst constant tech distractions. The hosts explore whether multitasking helps or hinders learning, revealing surprising insights about self-interruptions and study environments. They discuss how music can either aid or obstruct focus and challenge the notion that good grades always indicate deep understanding. Practical tools, like timers and Chrome extensions, are recommended to improve concentration. Parents are encouraged to adopt a respectful and strategic approach to support their teens while navigating these modern challenges.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

All Interruptions Hurt Learning

Interruptions from anywhere equally disrupt learning and slow study progress.
Self-interruptions (e.g., switching to TikTok) cause the same errors and lost focus as external interruptions.

INSIGHT

Bandwidth Explains Music Use

Mental bandwidth matters: music with lyrics consumes more cognitive resources than instrumental music.
For easier tasks, low-demand background activity can help prevent self-interruption and aid completion.

ADVICE

Use Site Blockers During Study

Use website blockers or Chrome extensions like Freedom or Focus to restrict distracting sites during homework.
Configure timers and allowed sites so the computer stays usable for school work but blocks distractions.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Today’s teens often try to tackle their homework while fielding nonstop notifications, listening to music, and participating in group chats. Plenty of parents wonder if this is a fight worth having, or if this is just – as some teens say – “how kids study now.”

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack one of the most common (and maddening) modern parenting dilemmas: Can teens really focus while multitasking with technology?

They explore why self-interruptions are just as disruptive as outside ones, when tech can actually help, and how parents can address distractions without turning homework time into a nightly power struggle. This episode helps parents balance empathy with expectations, even when their teen is already “doing well” on paper.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:

- Why multitasking slows learning, even for high-achieving teens

- How study environments can impact focus

- Simple, realistic tools that reduce conflict and build skills

- The “Four R’s” for behavior change

If you’re worried about your teen’s long-term focus and learning skills, this episode gives you a calm, respectful way forward.

________________

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

teens, tweens, study habits, technology, distractions, multitasking, parenting, focus, homework
ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, podcast, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence