How can I help my high schooler resist distractions?

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Struggling Learners with Distractions

If your high schooler struggles to pay attention, you are not alone. Many parents of struggling learners notice that their teenagers have trouble focusing on homework, studying, or even listening in class. When you want to help high schooler resist distractions, it is important to remember that these challenges are a normal part of growing up, not a sign of failure. High school brings new pressures, technology, and social changes, all of which can pull your child’s focus in different directions. With the right support, your child can learn to manage distractions and build the focus skills they need for success.

Definitions

Distractions: Anything that pulls your child’s attention away from their main task, such as phones, social media, noise, or even anxious thoughts.

Focus: The ability to pay attention to one thing at a time for a set period, like finishing math homework or listening during a lesson.

Why Do High Schoolers Get Distracted?

High schoolers are surrounded by distractions at every turn. Phones buzz with notifications, group chats invite instant replies, and streaming platforms offer endless entertainment. Even schoolwork can compete for their attention, with multiple assignments piling up. Many teachers and parents report that students today face more distractions than ever before, especially with online learning and digital devices in the mix.

Experts in child development note that the teenage brain is still growing. The areas responsible for managing attention, impulse control, and planning are not fully developed until early adulthood. This means your high schooler’s ability to filter out distractions and stay focused is still a work in progress, especially for struggling learners or those with ADHD.

Help High Schooler Resist Distractions: Practical Steps for Parents

The good news is that you can help high schooler resist distractions by providing structure, modeling good habits, and encouraging self-reflection. Here are practical ways to support your child at home:

• Set up a dedicated study space. Choose a quiet, clutter-free area for schoolwork. Keep devices like phones and tablets out of reach during homework time. If your child needs technology for assignments, use parental controls or apps that limit access to distracting sites.
• Create a consistent routine. High schoolers thrive on structure. Set regular times for homework, meals, and breaks. A routine helps your child’s brain know when to shift into “focus mode.”
• Break tasks into smaller steps. Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Help your child divide big projects into manageable parts, and celebrate small wins along the way.
• Encourage self-awareness. Ask your child to notice when and why they get distracted. Do certain apps or worries keep pulling their focus? Recognizing distraction triggers is the first step to managing them.
• Model healthy focus habits. Let your child see you put your phone away during important tasks or conversations. Family “tech-free” times can help everyone build attention skills together.

Reducing Distractions for Students: Strategies That Work

If you want to reduce distractions for students, tailor your approach to your child’s needs and preferences. Some high schoolers benefit from background music or fidget tools, while others need complete silence. Here are additional strategies to try:

• Use timers or the Pomodoro Technique. Encourage your child to work in short, focused bursts (like 25 minutes), followed by a short break. This makes big tasks feel more manageable and builds endurance.
• Organize assignments. Help your child use a planner or digital calendar to track deadlines and prioritize tasks. Color-coding or checklists can make organization easier and more motivating.
• Limit digital distractions. Turn off unnecessary notifications on devices during study time. Some apps can block distracting websites or games while your child works.
• Check in regularly. Gently ask about their progress and how they feel. Listen to frustrations without judgment. Your support helps them feel less alone and more capable of overcoming distraction.

For more ideas about building focus, check out our focus and attention resources.

How Can I Help My High Schooler Resist Distractions During Homework?

Many parents wonder what to do when their teen’s mind wanders during homework. The most effective way to help high schooler resist distractions is by combining empathy with structure. For example, if your child gets sidetracked by social media, you might agree together to set specific “phone check” times after study blocks. If worries or stress are distracting, teach your child to write down their concerns in a notebook, then return to the task. Remind them that everyone’s mind drifts sometimes, and that focus is a skill they can build with practice.

Encourage your child to set a goal for each study session, like finishing a chapter or solving a set number of math problems. Celebrate progress, even if it is not perfect. Over time, your child will gain confidence in their ability to manage distractions independently.

Focus and Attention in High School: What Parents Can Expect

High school students face unique challenges as they balance academics, extracurricular activities, and social lives. It is normal for focus to fluctuate—especially during stressful times or when motivation dips. If your child is a struggling learner, you may see more frequent lapses in attention, but this does not mean they cannot improve.

Experts recommend working with teachers and counselors to share concerns and learn about supports available at school. Some students may benefit from accommodations or executive function coaching. Remember, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay patient and flexible as you help high schooler resist distractions over time.

High School Distraction Triggers: What Gets in the Way?

• Digital devices: Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are often the biggest sources of distraction. Even a buzzing notification can break concentration.
• Social media: Fear of missing out or wanting to respond quickly can make it hard for teens to ignore messages during study time.
• Multitasking: Trying to do homework while watching TV or chatting online splits attention and reduces learning.
• Internal distractions: Worries, stress, or daydreams can pull focus away from schoolwork.

Helping your child identify their main distraction triggers is a powerful first step toward change.

Building Resilience: Teaching Your High Schooler to Bounce Back

Every student will slip up sometimes. What matters most is how they handle setbacks. Use moments of distraction as teaching opportunities. Talk about what got in the way, and brainstorm solutions together. Remind your child that learning to focus is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate effort and progress, not just perfection.

Encourage your high schooler to reflect: What strategies worked today? What could they try differently next time? This builds self-awareness and resilience, skills that will serve them well long after high school.

When to Seek Extra Support

If you notice that distractions are causing significant struggles—such as slipping grades, missed assignments, or ongoing frustration—it may be time to reach out for help. Some students benefit from working with tutors, counselors, or specialists who understand focus challenges. K12 Tutoring offers resources and support tailored for struggling learners and their families. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Grade 9–12 Guide: Reducing Distractions at Home and School

• Encourage your child to create a written study plan for each week. This helps them visualize their workload and prevents last-minute stress.
• Help them establish “focus rituals” before starting homework, such as turning off notifications, gathering supplies, and setting a goal.
• If possible, coordinate with teachers to use consistent organization tools (like digital planners or assignment checklists) across classes.
• Remind your child to take breaks and move their body. Physical activity can reset attention and boost mood.

With patience, practice, and teamwork, you can help high schooler resist distractions and build the focus they need to thrive in high school and beyond.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that staying focused is a challenge for many high schoolers, especially struggling learners. Our experienced tutors work alongside families to create personalized routines and focus strategies that fit each student’s unique needs. Whether your child needs help with organization, motivation, or managing distractions, we are here to support their journey toward greater confidence and independence.

Related Resources

• Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom for Improved Focus
• How to Study Without Getting Distracted: Tips From the Experts – Oxford Learning
• Reducing Smartphone Distractions in Middle and High School

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].