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Screen time and sleep
Screens can also affect sleep. The blue light emitted by tablets, phones, and televisions can suppress melatonin production – the hormone that signals the body it’ s time to sleep. For toddlers, melatonin typically starts rising in the early evening, helping them wind down and get restful sleep.
Exposing toddlers to screens in the critical pre-bedtime hours( around 5 – 7 PM) can delay melatonin production, making it harder for them to fall asleep. Poor sleep can contribute to irritability, behavioural challenges, and even a weakened immune system.
To protect your toddler’ s sleep, consider limiting screen use in the evening and introducing calming, screen-free routines instead, such as reading, quiet play, or music.
Every family is different, and finding the right balance will depend on your routines, lifestyle, and your child’ s temperament. The goal is to introduce technology thoughtfully while prioritising real-world experiences that support healthy brain development, social skills, and sleep.
By understanding how screen time affects your toddler’ s brain, social skills, sleep and overall wellbeing, you can make choices that support healthy development while still enjoying the benefits of technology in moderation.
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