Remember The 4 S's

Keep phones out of your child's bedroom.

Here's what you need to remember: The 4 S's!

1. Sleep disruption - Studies have shown that using devices in your bedroom has a negative impact on sleep. Sleep is one of the most important factors in physical and emotional health. (sleep.org)

2. Social Isolation - Retreating to the bedroom and spending time alone with a device may lead to feelings of loneliness . Instead, take devices out of the room for sleeping and into a room made for gathering and socializing. (studyfinds.org)

3. Salacious Content - If left unchecked, children can inadvertently stumble onto inappropriate content , harmful images, websites, and apps. Keeping device use restricted to a public space (family room, kitchen, etc.) will help you monitor what shows up on your child's screen. (BBC.com : "Parents unaware of dangers faced by children on smartphones.")

4. Sexual Predators - Online predators need secrecy, vulnerability, and isolation to connect with a child. Keeping phones out of your child's bedroom and having regular conversations with your child about who is appropriate to interact with on social media, chat rooms, and direct messaging will give your child the tools needed to have good digital privacy and citizenship. (commonsensemedia.org)