Kids Sleep Less Due to Electronic Media

A new report shows that today’s children don’t get enough sleep because of overstimulation by electronic media.

Report author Kevin Coyle says that a generation ago children spent hours outdoors playing and interacting with others. Public News Service reports that today the average Arizona child or teenager spends 7 to 8 hours a day on a computer or cell phone, playing video games or watching television.

Coyle says that children between 8 and 18 lose an average of 10 to 14 hours of sleep a week because they are overstimulated by electronic use. He says parents can help restore some balance by making sure children get outdoor exercise. Natural light helps promote sleep. Coyle also suggests that kids “unplug” from computers, cell phones and TV’s at least an hour before bedtime.

The report is online at nwf.org.