Did you know that one in five 12–17-year-olds average over 8 hours of screen time a day? That means that in a 14-hour day, 57% of their waking hours involve looking at a screen!
This madness is contributing to a very significant problem all teenagers face - sleep deprivation.
It is killing us. We are becoming walking zombies rather than happy, growing lads. However, we can end this treacherous technological tyranny by putting down our screens before bed.
Stop and think for a second. How much sleep did you get last night? If you got less than 8 hours of sleep my friend, you are a sleep-deprived teenager.
The major cause of sleep deprivation is something we all know and love – mobile phones.
Blue light emitted from devices inhibits the production of melatonin in the body, the hormone responsible for the feeling of drowsiness. This lack of tiredness and resultant loss of sleep time, exacerbates your already fragile teenage emotions, which I know you are all very familiar with. If you don’t believe me, look at the stats.
A study conducted by Growing up in Australia found that 35% of 12-18 years- olds are not getting a minimum 8 hours of sleep on any given night (Australian teens not getting enough sleep, n.d.) Furthermore, the same study discovered that 28% of this 35% were teens who had their phones with them in their bedroom.
I know that you all find it relaxing to be sitting on your phone, scrolling through social media or snapping your girlfriends at night. But at the end of the day, what would you prefer, feeling relaxed for 30 minutes and waking up the next day in a horrid mood? Or using this time to be getting some shuteye and feel refreshed and happy the next day?
It is a serious problem which we are refusing to acknowledge. Little rectangles of blue light are ruining our sleep which is ruining our mood which is ruining our lives.
Unlocking Sweet Dreams
Although things look grim, there is a rose amongst the thorns. The solution is simple: limit the use of screens around bedtime.
Devices suffocate the body’s ability to produce sleep-inducing melatonin.
A study by National Library of Medicine in 2021 found that teenagers who put down their devices 1 hour before bedtime achieved an extra 21 minutes of sleep compared to those who didn’t (National Library of Medicine, 2021). Across the full school week this adds up to 1hr 45 minutes of additional sleep which is money lying on the ground.
It’s that simple.
Although screens are an undeniably bright light in our lives, they are also sleep depriving demons. The experts have spoken – put your phone away before bed!
What needs to be done?
Sleep deprivation in teenagers could be non-existent if we all make an effort to ditch our devices before bed. Most of us are going to school in a feral mood with less than 8 hours of sleep under our belts. Don’t try to deny it. Lack of sleep is killing us. The question is, are you going to continue living life like a zombie or are you going to put your phone down an hour before bed and resolve the catastrophe on our hands – teenage sleep deprivation?
- By Hugh Mansfield, Year 9 TGS student
List of References
- Australian teens not getting enough sleep. Australian Government (2019). Retrieved June 01, 2023 from https://aifs.gov.au/media/australian-teens-not-getting-enough-sleep
- Department of Health, & Services, H. (2021). Teenagers and sleep. Retrieved June 01, 2023 from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/teenagers-and-sleep#causes-of-teenage-sleep-deprivation
- Among teens, sleep deprivation an epidemic. Stanford Medicine (2014). Retrieved June 01, 2023 from https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2015/10/among-teens-sleep-deprivation-an-epidemic.html
Latest Blog
Literacy at TGS: A research-informed approach
A recent Grattan Institute report has shared that one-third of Australian students are failing to learn to read proficiently, referring to the situation as a ‘preventable tragedy’. In addition, the report identifies evidence-based approaches utilising structured literacy programs with phonics and explicit instruction as the most effective methods of teaching literacy. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we implement a structured synthetic phonics approach to teaching spelling and reading that…
Past Mothers, Present Supporters
Any Old Boy will tell you the Blue and Gold is part of their blood. They love the history, the traditions, the memories, and the lifelong friends they made during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. Well, it seems the same can be said for many TGS mums. The Past Mothers’ Group was formed in 1979 by Mrs Mary Campbell who contacted as many past mothers as she could and invited them to meet at her home where the Past Mothers’ Group was officially formed with the intention of retaining links…
The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done
The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…
A Question of Character
In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
