Wide Awake and Wired: Tackling Tech-Induced Sleep Problems in Kids
In my clinical practice, I'm seeing more children dealing with sleep problems linked directly to late-night gaming and device use. About 30% of the kids I work with experience significant sleep disruptions, often due to devices. While there can be other reasons like medical issues or family stress, I've noticed children as young as five staying awake late playing games like Roblox or Minecraft. Most of the kids affected, though, are boys aged 7 to 12.
This isn't a simple issue—there are lots of layers involved. Children who struggle with attention or managing their emotions naturally gravitate toward technology as a way to calm themselves or distract their busy minds, especially at bedtime. Others become fixated on gaming or constantly checking social media updates, creating a difficult habit to break.
The effects of poor sleep show up quickly. Children come to school or therapy sessions exhausted, making it hard for them to learn, focus, and engage positively with peers. Good sleep is essential for clear thinking, making healthy choices, managing emotions, and building positive relationships. When children don't sleep well, they miss out on important developmental and therapeutic benefits.
Another trend I've seen is children preferring online interactions over real-life social interactions, especially kids who find social situations challenging or who have experienced trauma. Online conversations feel predictable and safer—they require less emotional effort and social nuance. But this means kids miss out on the warmth, genuine connections, and validation that come from face-to-face interactions. It also exposes them to risks such as online predators, scams, or inappropriate content.
It's crucial to support children, particularly those who are neurodiverse or have experienced trauma, in building positive offline social experiences. In my clinic, I've seen wonderful results from running Lego, Minecraft, and board game groups that create safe, supportive social spaces. These groups improve kids' language skills, confidence, and self-esteem. Unfortunately, recent changes to NDIS funding mean these beneficial programs are less accessible.
Night-time technology use hits kids with existing attention, language, or social difficulties particularly hard. They already manage significant daily challenges, and the extra fatigue intensifies their struggles with communication, friendships, anxiety, and loneliness. This creates a negative cycle—more screen time leads to more problems, and these problems drive kids to spend even more time online.
Parents can make a big difference here, even though it’s challenging. Parenting today is tough, with families facing many pressures. Trying to enforce device rules often leads to conflicts that feel overwhelming. Some parents aren't fully aware of how much their children use devices at night, and kids can be quite creative in avoiding detection. Adding to this, many devices are genuinely needed for schoolwork, making clear boundaries difficult.
Here are some practical tips parents can try:
Set clear boundaries, like devices off or out of bedrooms at a specific time.
Create a consistent bedtime routine without screens, incorporating calming activities like reading or chatting.
Talk openly with your kids about their online activities and encourage them to share their experiences and concerns.
Model healthy device habits yourself, as children often mirror adults' behavior.
Schools and clinicians also have important roles. Schools can encourage more playtime and social interaction, while clinicians can provide guidance to families on effective strategies to manage device use and conflicts. Governments need to step in as well, implementing research-backed policies to protect children from excessive screen use and restricting social media access for younger children.
Most importantly, we need to understand that nighttime technology use often signals deeper emotional issues like anxiety. In recent years, I've noticed a significant rise in child mental health challenges. Unfortunately, support and resources—especially in rural areas—aren’t always available. Recent NDIS policy changes have made accessing vital services even more difficult for these children. Addressing these broader issues is crucial to supporting our children's overall emotional and mental health effectively.