National Campaign Launches a Movement for Screen-Free Bedtimes in Kids' Rooms
In a bold initiative aimed at rejuvenating the quality of sleep for children across the United States, a campaign known as 'Screen-Free Sleep' has made its grand debut in New York City. Spearheaded by the creators of the acclaimed Screenagers documentaries and the 'Away for the Day' campaign, this movement addresses an alarming trend of declining sleep quality among the youth, exacerbated by the presence of screens in bedrooms at nighttime. On August 12, 2025, the campaign launched with a flash mob of Steve Jobs look-alikes, clad in signature black turtlenecks and jeans, who took to the streets prompting awareness about the adverse effects of nighttime screen use. They distributed humorous promotional kits named 'iSleep Pro,' which cleverly packaged sleep masks to symbolize the benefits of unplugging and getting a good night's rest.
The growing issue of sleep deprivation among children is pressing, with reports highlighting that one in four tweens sleep with their phone in hand. Shockingly, teens with access to devices in their bedrooms are reported to be more than twice as likely to feel fatigued during the day. Further alarming statistics show that over half of teenagers often achieve less than the recommended seven hours of sleep. Dr. Delaney Ruston, a physician and filmmaker involved in the campaign, articulates a critical message regarding the intersection of technology and health, emphasizing that sleep is foundational to a child's well-being, just like nutrition and exercise. She states, "Our initiative empowers parents to adopt device-free spaces for their children at night, forming habits that can last into their teenage years. By making screen-free sleep a standard practice, we can enable our children to acquire the quality sleep necessary for their health and development."
The rationale behind this call to action is compelling, given research showing that even passive presence of devices in a bedroom can disrupt a child's sleep patterns. Notably, studies indicate that sleep deficits in tweens can hinder brain development, with long-lasting implications on emotional regulation, attention spans, and academic performance. The initiative advocates for strategies to help parents create a sleep-conducive environment; these include removing all electronic devices from children's rooms, replacing phone alarms with traditional alarm clocks, and safely storing gadgets to reduce nightly temptations.
To promote widespread participation in the movement, the campaign encourages parents to take an online pledge at ScreenFreeSleep.org, actively engaging in discussions to normalize the concept of screen-free sleep just as seat belts became a commonplace safety measure. Furthermore, it provides easy access to 'iSleep Pro' kits, which can be taken to schools, sports events, and community gatherings to spread awareness about the positive effects of a technology-free bedtime.
As children increasingly face challenges related to sleep, the message behind the 'Screen-Free Sleep' campaign is more relevant than ever. Parents are invited to join in redefining bedtime routines, contributing to a healthier generation better equipped to face daily challenges. For those interested in learning more or sharing the campaign, additional information is available at www.ScreenFreeSleep.org. Experts from related fields are also available for interviews, including Dr. Delaney Ruston, and pediatric sleep specialists from renowned institutions. The time has come for parents to take an active role in their children’s sleep hygiene by embracing the movement for screen-free sleep, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for the upcoming generation.
The growing issue of sleep deprivation among children is pressing, with reports highlighting that one in four tweens sleep with their phone in hand. Shockingly, teens with access to devices in their bedrooms are reported to be more than twice as likely to feel fatigued during the day. Further alarming statistics show that over half of teenagers often achieve less than the recommended seven hours of sleep. Dr. Delaney Ruston, a physician and filmmaker involved in the campaign, articulates a critical message regarding the intersection of technology and health, emphasizing that sleep is foundational to a child's well-being, just like nutrition and exercise. She states, "Our initiative empowers parents to adopt device-free spaces for their children at night, forming habits that can last into their teenage years. By making screen-free sleep a standard practice, we can enable our children to acquire the quality sleep necessary for their health and development."
The rationale behind this call to action is compelling, given research showing that even passive presence of devices in a bedroom can disrupt a child's sleep patterns. Notably, studies indicate that sleep deficits in tweens can hinder brain development, with long-lasting implications on emotional regulation, attention spans, and academic performance. The initiative advocates for strategies to help parents create a sleep-conducive environment; these include removing all electronic devices from children's rooms, replacing phone alarms with traditional alarm clocks, and safely storing gadgets to reduce nightly temptations.
To promote widespread participation in the movement, the campaign encourages parents to take an online pledge at ScreenFreeSleep.org, actively engaging in discussions to normalize the concept of screen-free sleep just as seat belts became a commonplace safety measure. Furthermore, it provides easy access to 'iSleep Pro' kits, which can be taken to schools, sports events, and community gatherings to spread awareness about the positive effects of a technology-free bedtime.
As children increasingly face challenges related to sleep, the message behind the 'Screen-Free Sleep' campaign is more relevant than ever. Parents are invited to join in redefining bedtime routines, contributing to a healthier generation better equipped to face daily challenges. For those interested in learning more or sharing the campaign, additional information is available at www.ScreenFreeSleep.org. Experts from related fields are also available for interviews, including Dr. Delaney Ruston, and pediatric sleep specialists from renowned institutions. The time has come for parents to take an active role in their children’s sleep hygiene by embracing the movement for screen-free sleep, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for the upcoming generation.
Topics Health）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.