Addressing Resistance
It may sound simple to say, “Keep devices out of kids’ bedrooms at bedtime,” but in reality, many parents have reasons for not doing this or feel hesitant to start.
“My child has tech in the bedroom but doesn’t use it at bedtime.”
Response: Having devices in the bedroom nearly doubles the odds of insufficient sleep. Even without using them, devices can drain mental energy as kids fight the urge to check them or are reminded of stimulating online experiences, such as gaming or social conflicts. Temptations can change quickly. Even if your child is not currently tempted, keeping devices out of the bedroom protects their sleep long-term.
“My child uses their device as an alarm clock.”
Response: A simple, inexpensive alarm clock can solve this without sacrificing sleep quality. We believe so strongly in simple alarm clocks that we made stickers of them for the iSleep Pro kits.
“I want my child to feel trusted.”
Response: This isn’t about trust; it’s about the strong pull of devices, especially when content is tailored to your child, and the extra challenge of resisting them when they’re tired. Removing devices from the bedroom avoids an unfair self-control struggle at a time when they need rest.
“My child goes to bed later than I do.”
Response: This is a real challenge, and it’s one reason we focus on starting the habit before later teen bedtimes set in. We believe it’s crucial to work with kids and teens to set a time when homework is finished and devices are put away, while parents are still awake. Sticking to this time is key, so the child isn’t pushing homework later into the night
“My child will be angry if we start this new rule.”
Response: Pushback is normal and expected. There are many reasons a child has to not want to give up their device. The key is to let them share all their reasons and show you understand their perspective. Then explain your reasoning, including research on sleep. For example, one study found that basketball players who stayed up on social media performed worse the next day on the court. Be consistent and frame this as an act of care for their brain and health
“Ongoing resistance wears me down.”
Response: Parents need support and strong community norms. That is why we are working to make screen-free sleep the norm in all homes. The more kids do it, the less they can say, “Everyone else has their phone in their room.”
“I feel hypocritical because I keep my own device in the bedroom.”
Response: Adults have different responsibilities than kids, such as needing a phone for emergencies. They also have different privileges, which can include enjoying screen time in their rooms. That said, adults also benefit from device-free sleep, so it’s worth considering for yourself as well.
“My child uses tech to fall asleep.”
Response: We want to avoid sleep dependencies, even habits that seem helpful, such as music, can become crutches. Consider providing your child with non-tech bedtime routines like reading, doodling, or journaling whenever possible. If your child likes music, try a non-internet-connected music player or a sound machine with nature sounds. If an internet-based story or app is necessary, keep the device outside the bedroom and stream it via a Bluetooth speaker inside the room.
“I don’t see the harm in certain devices, like a smart watch.”
Response: Parents might not think to remove something like a smartwatch or Alexa from a bedroom, but doing so is important. Access to the internet means access to endless entertainment, constant social pressures, and a doorway to strangers with bad intentions. Removing all internet-connected devices is the way to go.
“We use parental control apps to shut things off at night.”
Response: As mentioned, just having a device in the room can still interfere with sleep. Also, kids can figure out workarounds, and it is not their fault. These tools are designed to be engaging, and the pull to bypass limits can be strong. Removing devices entirely removes the temptation.
“My child reads on a Kindle or tablet at bedtime.”
Response: Many e-readers and tablets connected to Wi-Fi have book samples, ads, and other content that can turn reading into browsing. If possible, use an e-reader without full internet access or make library trips part of the bedtime routine with physical books.
In the pushbacks, we often say “remove devices.” While we believe it’s best to keep devices out of bedrooms both day and night, we understand there are many reasons families might choose not to do this during the day. Our Campaign is focused on nighttime sleep as the primary call to action.
We use the word “child” because the Campaign focuses on elementary and middle schoolers, since most high schoolers already sleep with devices, and reversing that pattern is much harder with older teens.
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