Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)

Screen Time & Sleep

Following on from last week’s article about sleep hygiene and the importance of healthy bedtime routines, it’s also helpful to consider how screen time can affect children’s sleep.

Information from the Raising Children Network highlights that screens such as tablets, phones, televisions and computers can interfere with children’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. One reason is that blue light from screens can reduce melatonin production – the hormone that helps our bodies feel sleepy. When children use screens close to bedtime, their brains may receive signals that it is still time to be awake.

Screens can also keep children mentally stimulated. Games, videos, and online interactions can make it harder for children to wind down, leading them to take longer to settle and experience shorter or poorer-quality sleep.

To support healthy sleep habits, families might consider a few simple strategies:

• Create a screen-free wind-down time about one hour before bed.
• Encourage calm activities in the evening, such as playing a card game, reading, drawing, or listening to quiet music.
• Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight to reduce the temptation to use them late at night.

Healthy sleep plays an important role in children’s learning, behaviour, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing. By combining positive sleep hygiene habits with mindful screen use, families can help children develop routines that support restful nights and successful days.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend.