Nigel Cullumbine, whose child attends Hethersett Academy, has complained about its executive principal Jane Diver after his daughter alleged she had claimed “too much screen time can cause ADHD”.
It is understood Ms Diver was giving the speech following the ban of mobile phones from schools.
Mr Cullumbine said his daughter told him her English teacher later “corrected the record” when pupils returned to class after the assembly.
The father, who was diagnosed with autism two years ago, said: “Of all the people to say something like that, a head teacher should know better.”
A spokesman on behalf of Inspiration Trust, which runs several schools and colleges across Norfolk including Hethersett Academy, said Ms Diver had “referred to excessive screen time worsening the effects of ADHD”.
However, when questioned by this newspaper whether “excessive screen time worsens the effects of ADHD” were the exact words used by Ms Diver during the assembly, the trust did not respond.
The spokesman said: “As far as we are aware, Hethersett Academy and Inspiration Trust haven’t been contacted with any complaints following the Year 11 assembly on September 4, where Ms Diver referred to the new mobile phone policy, encouraging pupils to have less screen time, and referred to excessive screen time worsening the effects of ADHD.
“Any complaints that are received will be dealt with following the policy available on our academy and trust websites.”
Mr Cullumbine said: “That may have been the message intended, but it was not the message heard. The message itself must have been flawed if teachers felt the need to correct it.
“To essentially blame the child, who might be struggling for causing their own challenges, is unforgiveable and not something anyone responsible for children should be saying, let alone someone in a leadership position.”
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain works.
Symptoms usually begin in childhood and can include difficulties with attention and concentration, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.
According to the NHS, ADHD is not caused by children using screens. However, some experts do say excessive screen time may worsen symptoms for some people.
The exact causes of ADHD are not fully understood, but research suggests genetics play an important role.