Can My Child Multitask? Understanding the Impact of Multitasking on Study and Learning

Asked by Anonymous on our Parent Webinar series.

As a parent, you may have noticed your child juggling multiple tasks at once — doing homework while texting friends or listening to music while studying. It’s tempting to think that multitasking is a helpful skill, especially in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. However, research shows that multitasking is not only unproductive, but can actually be harmful to your child's learning and focus. In this article, we will break down why multitasking is a myth, its detrimental effects on your child's attention and memory, and practical steps you can take as a parent to help your child focus and learn more effectively.

1) Multitasking Is a Computer Science Term, Not a Learning Psychology Term

In the world of computers, multitasking refers to the ability of a system to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. However, when it comes to human learning, the concept of multitasking doesn’t apply in the same way. Humans, unlike machines, are not equipped to handle multiple tasks at once.

The human brain is not capable of performing multiple tasks simultaneously in the way computers do. Instead, we engage in what is called task-switching. Task-switching involves rapidly shifting our attention from one task to another. Each time we switch, there’s a cost: it takes time for our brain to adjust and refocus, which leads to a decrease in efficiency and performance. Studies have shown that the constant switching between tasks can hurt both attention and memory, making it more difficult for your child to retain information.

2) Multitasking is endemic

Despite the idea of multitasking being a myth, students not only believe that they can multitask, but they also believe that there is no negative impact of multitasking and that they can multitask successfully. This belief, coupled with the addictiveness of social media and mobile phones, means that students multitask to a degree that is almost unfathomable:

• A study at the University of Melbourne found that the longest that most students went without multitasking was 2.3 minutes, and that only 10% of students were able to multitask without distractions. The 3 most common distractions were: social media, messaging and emailing.

• Similarly, a Microsoft study found that young adults switch task 27 times per hour or every 2 and a bit minutes - leading one executive, Linda Stone, to say that we live in a state of “continuous partial attention”.

3) The Harmful Effects of Multitasking on Attention and Learning

When students multitask while studying they tend to think one of two things: either it is completely fine and normal and there are no costs or negative consequences; or that multitasking may add on a few extra minutes to their study, but otherwise that the effects are limited.

The reality, however, is that switching between tasks — whether it's checking social media, texting, or listening to music — creates distractions that impair focus and:

• Decrease productivity: The University of California Irvine found that when people switched between tasks, the time cost to get back on focus was up to 23 minutes - much longer than the 15-20 seconds most students would assume. Based on the frequency of multitasking, it is estimated that 40% of students' time studying is lost.

• Decrease memory: Studies by Eileen Wood have shown that students who multitask have the lowest levels of memory retention and recall.

• Decrease marks:  Larry Rosen, a psychologist from California State University, has found that the 4 best predictors of a student’s marks are:

o   The percentage of time a student stays on task as opposed to getting distracted;

o   The study strategies they employ;

o   The total time that they spend on task;

o The student’s preference for staying on task until completion versus finding distractions.

4) Why Do Students Think They Can Multitask? The Role of Parents and Adults

One of the reasons students believe they can multitask effectively is because they see their parents and other adults doing the same thing. A study by Deloitte found that 81% of the time that people watched TV, they were also looking at a second screen, generally a phone or an iPad. Similarly, stop for a second and consider this: how often at work would you interrupt a task you are on to check emails? The reality is for most of us, multitasking is a normalised part of our behaviour.

5) Practical Steps for Parents to Discourage Multitasking and Promote Focused Learning

As a parent, you can play a pivotal role in helping your child understand the downsides of multitasking and promoting habits that foster focus and effective learning. Here are several practical steps to help discourage multitasking:

• Model Focused Behaviour: Children often learn by example, so it’s important for parents to model good behaviour. Practice focused, single-tasking habits yourself. Set an example by concentrating on one task at a time, whether it’s working on a project, reading a book, or having a conversation. If your child sees you engaged in one task at a time, they’re more likely to follow suit.

• Remove Distractions: Help your child create a study environment free from distractions. This includes removing devices such as smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets that can tempt them to check social media or messages. If necessary, designate a specific study space for your child — one that is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. It’s crucial that your child understands that the study environment should be focused and conducive to deep work, not allowing space for multitasking.

• Encourage Breaks: The human brain has limits, and prolonged studying without breaks can lead to mental fatigue. Encourage your child to take regular breaks to refresh their mind. A good rule of thumb is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. This allows the brain to rest and refocus, minimising the urge to multitask.

• Establish Study Routines: Help your child create a consistent study schedule that includes time for homework, revision, and leisure activities. A well-structured routine can help them understand the importance of focusing on one task at a time. This structure also reduces the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to multitasking as a coping mechanism.

While multitasking may seem like a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world, it is, in fact, detrimental to your child's ability to focus, learn, and retain information. Humans are not capable of multitasking effectively — what we really do is task-switch, which results in cognitive inefficiencies and distractions. As a parent, you can help your child develop better study habits by modelling focused behaviour, creating a distraction-free study environment, and discouraging multitasking. By setting the right example and providing practical strategies, you’ll help your child improve their focus, enhance their memory, and succeed in their studies.