Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRebecca WhittakerThursday 28 May 2026 08:31 BSTHow do young people feel about the U16 social media ban?A new study suggests that learning a musical instrument could prevent “brain rot” and boost concentration in young people, potentially counteracting the negative effects of social media.Published in the British Journal of Psychology, the research involved 268 participants aged eight to 34, comparing musicians with non-musicians.Those with formal musical training exhibited faster responses and fewer lapses in attention during computer-based tasks designed to test focus.The study proposes that the cognitive demands of musical training, such as learning rhythm and technique, help to exercise and refine attentional skills.Researchers noted the benefits were “moderate” and not a “dramatic cognitive transformation”, also suggesting that individuals with better attention might be more drawn to musical training, which could further enhance their skills.In fullWhy learning a musical instrument could stave off ‘brain rot’ and help concentrationThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in