Wellbeing Hub
Sleep
Sleep is an important part of healthy growth and development for children and teens. Good quality sleep allows the body to rest and helps with various physical and emotional processes, from immunity to concentration, emotional wellbeing and brain function.
How much sleep does my child or teen need?
Every child needs a different amount of sleep, which changes as they age.
As a guide:
- Children aged one to three years old need 12 to 14 hours
- Children aged three to six years old need 10 to 12 hours
- Children aged seven to 12 years old need 10 to 11 hours
- Children aged 13 to 18 years old need 8 to 10 hours.
Sleep problems in children and teens
For many families, sleep problems begin before their child is in bed. It is not unusual for children to have nighttime worries or fears that stop them from falling asleep easily. Preschool and primary-aged children may use excuses to avoid going to bed, like needing to go to the toilet or wanting to talk about something. Older children and teens may lie awake at night for a range of reasons, such as being uncomfortable in their sleep environment or stressed about school or friendships.
Useful Tips to Support Good Sleep Hygiene:
- Follow a consistent and predictable bedtime routine, and be clear with your child about acceptable behaviour.
- Try not to negotiate with your child at bedtime and aim to remain calm and consistent.
- Positive reinforcement is an important part of behaviour change. Praise and reward your child for their healthy bedtime habits when they wake up the next morning.
- If your child has nighttime worries, assure them you are confident in their ability to deal with them and that they are safe. If these worries are ongoing or severe, see a mental health professional for review and support.
Source (& for more tips):
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Sleep_problems_children_and_teens/
Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources
Kids Helpline or 1800 551 800
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Also has fact sheets and information about a range of topics for parents to support their children.
Access to trusted mental health and wellbeing information, online programs and digital resources.
Learn more about depression and anxiety or talk it through with our support service.
Phone: 1300 224 636 (24/7)
Email or chat online
A confidential, free and secure space where young people aged 12 to 25 or their family can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.
Phone: 1800 650 890 (9am – 1am everyday)
Access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)