Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan
Lead & HOD – Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency, Aster Women & Children Bangalore, Aster Whitefield, Bangalore
Our modern world moves fast. As a paediatrician, I am seeing more and more children who aren’t just overwhelmed by academics but also by screens, distractions, and stress—factors that can overload their young brains. This “memory overload” can quietly erode a child’s ability to focus, learn, and retain what they’ve been taught.
Memory overload happens when the brain has too much coming at it—too much information, too many distractions, and too little rest. Think of it as trying to overstuff a suitcase; no matter how carefully you pack, things start to spill out. For a child, this might look like forgetting lessons, blanking out during tests, struggling to concentrate, or feeling mentally tired even after a good night’s sleep.
Recent studies show how this growing problem is being shaped by lifestyle and environment. A study reported by found that Indian children under five spend an average of 2.22 hours daily on screens—almost twice what the World Health Organization and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommend. Higher screen use was linked to slower language development, weaker cognitive ability, poor social behaviour, and trouble concentrating. Meanwhile, highlighted how excessive screen time at home disrupts sleep, fuels anxiety, and raises behavioural issues. Doctors across India are now calling for better “digital hygiene” in families to curb these effects.
Sleep, too, is a huge piece of the puzzle. A study on 1st graders demonstrated that inconsistent sleep and insufficient sleep results in ineffective verbal working memory, which is defined as the ability to hold and use language-based information. The brain organizes what it learns during the day only when it has enough sleep. The effects of prolonged stress are another strain. Studies have shown that children who endure high stress from school settings or family settings will commit more errors on memory tasks that are related to memory when tested after a stress event. Higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can cause interference directly in the brain’s ability to store and retrieve information.
Children are even more vulnerable to memory overload because they are still developing. The memory systems of children’s working memory and short-term memory can be disrupted more easily than adults. Their vulnerable memories are compounded in this current environment, with screens overstimulating, late nights, and children switching between homework, games, and social media. Regular sleep is essential for the brain’s memory consolidation, but sleep is sacrificed for late night scrolling or homework projects. Stress can also compound academic stress, but it also can cause social stress in regards to their friends, which leaves children’s cognitive systems tired and less efficient.
Often, parents don’t even need to conduct any type of medical tests to know that something is off. They notice their child struggle to follow simple arguments, they can’t stay focused on their studies, or they seem distracted easily by phones or tablets in the room. Even after hours of study, they find grades dropped to unusually low levels or the child reports feeling exceptionally grumpy and tired. These changes can be subtle, but they are a valuable sign that the brain may be overloaded.
The upside is that in most cases, the causes of memory overload are modifiable. For starters, reducing screen time and device use, particularly, before bed can greatly improve attention span and sleep. Parents should have the youngest children limited and supervised time on any educational programming or applications. Consistent nightly bedtime routines and including a quiet place to sleep will allow the brain to recover and strengthen learning from the day. During study time, remove distractions from mobile devices, utilize shorter periods of study with more active learning tasks, and try to eliminate distractions in study environments to assure better attention. Engaging reading, visiting family, art projects, puzzles, or conversation are much more engaging than watching anything passively on a screen.
Stress management is equally important. Being open about kids’ worries, providing a predictable daily routine, and removing the pressure around grades can help them feel more secure while engaging in learning. Physical activity outdoors and dedicating time, space, and opportunity for physical activity also supports fitness, but also generate better brain function, focus, and emotional regulation.
However, if memory issues persist for several weeks or worse, specifically with a decline in school performance, sleep issues, or signs of anxiety or depression, then it may be time to pursue professional help. The paediatrician can assess for medical issues or medical sleep issues, and on certain occasions, a child psychologist or neurodevelopment specialist can assess and test for learning challenges or attentional issues like ADHD.
Ultimately, memory overload isn’t about having a “bad memory day.” It’s a signal that a child’s brain is being pushed too hard in multiple directions. Too much screen exposure, too little sleep, and chronic stress all contribute to a kind of mental traffic jam. But with small, consistent changes at home and school, parents can help children reset their balance—giving their brains the rest, rhythm, and focus they need to thrive.
