Once upon a time, one of the most magical moments in a child's world was the fairy tales whispered by a parent. These tales served not only as a means to transition to sleep but also as a gateway to the child's imaginative world and a strong emotional bridge built between parent and child. However, today the landscape has drastically changed: the children of the generation that grew up listening to fairy tales can no longer fall asleep without a phone in their hands.
Recent studies covering the years 2025–2026 sound an alarm. The rapid development of technology is severely disrupting children's sleep patterns and overall health. Particularly among schoolchildren aged 6-12, increased screen time leads to complications such as late bedtime, frequent awakenings during the night, and daytime fatigue.
The issue does not end with insomnia alone. Screen addiction in children aged 1-5 leads to delayed speech and weakened cognitive development. Studies conducted on children aged 3-6 show that every additional hour spent in front of a screen directly impacts emotional outbursts and behavioral disorders.
What does global statistics say?
This problem has already transcended local boundaries and become a matter of global concern. According to studies covering 33 countries, more than 75 percent of children aged 3-4 face both insufficient sleep and excessive screen use.
In the United Arab Emirates, approximately 38 percent of children spend more than 7 hours a day in front of a screen. In India, sleep problems in approximately 40 percent of children aged 2-5 are directly linked to screen use. According to surveys conducted in the United Kingdom, 92 percent of parents admit that their children look at a screen immediately before going to bed.
Biologists' warning: the melatonin factor
So why do screens disrupt sleep? There is a scientific explanation for this. The blue light emitted from screens weakens the secretion of the melatonin hormone, which is responsible for sleep in the brain. As a result, the child's brain does not “understand” that night has fallen, and the process of falling asleep becomes difficult. In the long term, this situation increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity.
Undoubtedly, technology also has many positive aspects in children's lives. However, uncontrolled and excessive screen use can negatively affect both their physical and psychological development. Experts recommend turning off screens at least one hour before bedtime for children, and instead, reading fairy tales, playing calming games, and maintaining traditional sleep rituals.
Let's not forget that no bright screen can replace the emotional closeness and sense of security created by a simple fairy tale.
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