Parenting GuidesUpdated 10/29/2026

Phones at Bedtime and Sleep

If your child stays up late on their phone, here's what pediatricians suggest, and some ideas that help.

What the AAP suggests

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:

Keeping screens, including phones, tablets and laptops, out of children's bedrooms, especially at night

Turning off all screens at least an hour before bedtime

Making a family media plan that sets boundaries about use before bed

The AAP also notes that many apps are designed to keep people engaged, with features like autoplay and endless scrolling, and that this can crowd out sleep. And teens need more sleep, not less: their sleep cycles shift later at the start of puberty.

Ideas that help

Charge phones outside the bedroom overnight, in the kitchen or a hallway. It's easier when the whole family does it, parents too.

Set a bedtime on the device itself. On an iPhone or iPad, Apple's Screen Time lets a parent set Screen Time Schedules for different times of the day. On an Android phone or Chromebook, Google Family Link lets a parent set a bedtime. See Setting Screen Time Limits on Your Child's Devices.

Turn off notifications at night, so the phone isn't calling for attention. The AAP suggests turning off autoplay and notifications.

What ParentSEE shows

ParentSEE's Activity shows when your child's devices reached apps and sites, so you can notice late-night use. Not all of it is your child: apps do work in the background overnight, so small, regular bursts are often just the phone itself. Long sessions late in the evening are more likely real use. See Why You'll See Activity When Your Child Isn't Using Their Phone.

Talking about it

Start with curiosity, not a lecture: "I noticed you've been on your phone late. How are you sleeping?" Ask what keeps them up, then agree on a plan together. A calm conversation usually helps more than a punishment.

If your child often has trouble sleeping, talk to your pediatrician.