Is Texting Keeping Teens Awake at Night?
Summary
Blue light emitted by screens on our computers, televisions, and smart phones is known to suppress melatonin production and disturb circadian rhythms responsible for wake and sleep cycles. Sleep deprivation correlates in a staggering way with poor mental health and, consequently, emotional and behavioral issues, substance use and abuse, and thoughts of suicide in teenagers. By staying up texting and otherwise using their devices, teenagers create an opportunity to socialize as well as to further explore personal interests they may not otherwise have time for and to engage in their culture and community of peers. Substantial pressure sits on youths to send text messages and post to social media at wee hours, so their peers know how late they are staying up, and consequently how little sleep they are getting. While to-the-minute text message notifications can be helpful, after lights out they can serve as an irresistible invitation for young people to check and use their phones, something that a book or even a laptop will not do to tempt their users.