My first research paper, “Impact of Screen Time on Attention Spans: Exploring duration, content, and context across various age groups and genders,” was a valuable introduction to academic research. I selected this topic because I believe that screen time is an unavoidable aspect of modern life and wanted to investigate its effects in a structured and evidence-based way.

I felt that this academic research is beneficial because it helps develop critical thinking and clear communication skills. Through this process, I learned how to structure an academic essay effectively and learnt that a simple, well-organised framework is essential for presenting data in a meaningful way. More than anything, this experience pushed me to explore the importance of building arguments that are supported by reliable evidence.

The process began with an extensive review of prior studies to understand how researchers defined and measured attention span. This background work allowed me to refine my focus to three key variables: duration, content and context of screen use, and how these might interact with age and gender.

Data collection relied heavily on self-reported surveys, which became both a strength and a limitation. While the responses gave a wide range of personal insights, they also introduced subjectivity—some participants may have underestimated or overestimated their actual screen use. Because of this, the results were more complex and quite unexpected. 

The highlight of this experience was seeing my paper published in two journals, which affirmed the effort and care that I put into the research. More importantly, the process strengthened my ability to think critically, analyze a set of collected data, and understand the challenges and process of research.”

“For a student of Bayla’s age to have a research paper published in an international academic journal is an exceptional achievement. It reflects not only her intellectual curiosity and perseverance, but also the courage to put her ideas into a wider academic conversation. The process of writing, refining, and submitting research at this level requires real resilience and maturity, and Bayla has demonstrated all of these qualities in abundance. She should feel very proud of this milestone, which sets a wonderful example to her peers about what is possible when you combine creativity, hard work and determination.”- Nicholas Fieldhouse, Head of Year 10

Bayla, 10H, has recently written an academic research paper: “The Impact of Screen Time on Attention Spans: Exploring duration, content, and context across various age groups and genders,” which was published on the Harvard Student Agencies website and also in the International Education and Research Journal (IERJ)