El Paso Teens Urged to Limit Late-Night Phone Use for Better Sleep

Recent studies reveal that many teenagers in the U.S., including El Paso, are sacrificing sleep due to excessive phone use during late-night hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that teens get 8 to 10 hours of sleep, yet over half are reportedly using their phones for an hour or more between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This behavior can lead to cognitive impairment, emotional regulation issues, and increased risks of mental health problems. Experts emphasize the need for parents to model healthy screen habits and create family media plans to encourage better sleep practices among teens.

Key Details: • Over half of teens use their phones late at night, affecting sleep quality. • Parents should set screen time limits and model healthy behaviors. • Creating screen-free zones and times can help improve sleep habits. • Consider using a 'family media lockbox' to keep devices out of bedrooms.