Anna Firth & Linden Kemkaran

Aims of this morning To introduce you and your children to the concept of a “Digital Sunset” whereby at an agreed time each night, all phones, tablets and gaming devices are switched off and kept out of children’s bedrooms It’s a positive choice, where children opt in to take part in a week long “Digital Sunset Challenge”. It is important that it is a free choice and that the children are not forced to take the Challenge Could you complete the challenge?

Benefits Instant protection from late night cyber-bullying or online sexual exploitation Undisturbed sleep leading to improved concentration, emotional resilience and chance to do better at school Improved mental health and reduced risk of anxiety and depression by taking a break from the pressure of social media at night Empower children to establish good digital habits before the onslaught of secondary school

Head teachers welcomed the Challenge as they reported spending more and more time sorting out problems caused by children being online late at night Parents reported children interacting in a more caring and positive way during the challenge week Children who embraced the challenge reported that “they slept better”, “didn’t wake up as grumpy” and “didn’t have rings under their eyes”

Quick Test …..

Know your children’s apps

Screen-free bedtime = Better sleep Less depression & anxiety Fewer opportunities for online bullies or predators to strike

When it comes to screen time I think it is important to encourage parents to do what is right by their family. It is also important that adults in the family reflect on their own level of screen time in order to have a positive influence on younger members. We would also adopt the expert recommendation that screens are avoided for an hour before the planned bedtime. The Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health – January 2019

Teenagers' sleep quality and mental health at risk over late-night mobile phone use. The Guardian Radiation from mobile phones delays and reduces sleep, and causes headaches and confusion, according to a new study. The Independent on Sunday. Should Bedrooms be No-Phone Zones for Teens? Three ways parents can help their teens log off before turning in for the night. Psychology Today

In a January, 2018 survey of 1,024 parents with children younger than 18, 47 percent of parents feel that their child is “addicted” to their mobile device. Interestingly, 32 percent of those parents said the same about themselves. Psychology today … there is a link between social media and depression. In several recent studies, teenage and young adult users who spend the most time on Instaram, Facebook and other platforms were shown to have a substantially (from 13 to 66 percent) higher rate of reported depression than those who spent the least time. The Child Institute, US

Are you up for the Challenge? 7pm – all devices off | 7am – all devices on | for 7 days

Video freely available on: www.digitalsunset.com