Why ‘Brain Rot’ Can Hurt Learning — and How One District Is Kicking It Out of School

Kids today are growing up in a world where short, bizarre internet videos dominate their screens—and their attention spans. Dubbed “brain rot,” this trend of mindless, dopamine-spiking content is causing ripple effects far beyond social media, from classrooms to homes. As schools grapple with shorter attention spans and social challenges, researchers link these behaviors to the brain’s reward systems, which are especially active during adolescence. The Newport Institute warns that endless scrolling can create addiction-like behaviors, leaving students disconnected and struggling to retain focus.

In Baldwin, New York, educators are taking action. Superintendent Shari Camhi enforces strict rules against phones in classrooms while encouraging analog solutions like family field days and media literacy classes. These efforts aim to rebuild students’ social skills and teach critical thinking in a digital age. Camhi emphasizes balance, urging families to set limits on screen time while modeling healthier habits. “Sometimes,” she says, “going back in time is not such a bad thing.”

Nadia Tamez-Robledo

EdSurge

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