We know you have rules for when the kids can and can’t use electronics and watch TV, so make sure one of them is no devices or TV in the bedroom, especially at bedtime. New research from the American Academy of Pediatrics published in the February 2015 issue of Pediatrics warns that your connected kid may not be getting nearly the amount of sleep they need.
The study looked at more than 2,000 4th and 7th graders and found that children who slept near these small screens typically had short weekday sleep durations and later bedtimes, which means they were generally overtired and are not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep has been shown to affect physical health, school performance, test scores and mood.
One possible solution we’ve heard and like: All phones and devices need to be surrendered and plugged in (in a room other than their own) by a certain time every night. No access means it can’t disrupt sleep.
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