Page 22 - Smalltalk Issue 52 - Winter 2017

EDUCATIONtalk

No digital

devices at

bedtime if

children are

to get enough

sleep

Speaking during
an interview on
BBC Radio 5 Live
a top headmaster
has warned that
sleep-deprived
children and

young people
are storing up
problems for
later life

“IF we don’t take action now we face and destructive and stop children getting a sleep, Mr Fenton said that children were
a generational crisis” Reigate Grammar good night’s sleep.’ individuals and even an 8pm bedtime
School Head Shaun Fenton warns. He advised all parents to adopt one might not be sufficient for some.
Shaun Fenton has been named Chair simple rule: ‘no digital devices at bedtime, He said that at Reigate Grammar, the
of the HMC (the Headmasters’ and no tech in the bedroom’. He advised issues of internet addiction and sleep
Headmistresses’ Conference) which is a keeping a charging station downstairs. deprivation were tackled right across the
professional Association of heads of the Mr Fenton said that getting enough school, in Personal, social, health and
world’s leading independent schools. sleep charges batteries, ‘physical, economic classes, assembly, during tutor
‘As a country, we’re “sleepwalking” into emotional, intellectual’. He said that time, via peer mentoring, and parent-
a crisis for this generation,’ said Shaun. sufficient rest was indelibly linked to good support evenings.
He added that while the internet was mental and physical health and wellbeing. The school is also working with the
a ‘wonderful, positive opportunity offering “Children and young people who have Children’s Sleep Charity, which also
children knowledge at their fingertips,’ had sufficient rest are far better placed works with parents and trains NHS health
social media was the ‘biggest baddie’ in to deal with the stresses and strains of professionals. Mr Fenton is supporting the
terms of depriving young people of sleep. every-day life. They see the next day as launch of its Sleep Manifesto at the House
‘Those digital devices chase children opportunities with hurdles to leap rather of Commons.
into their private spheres at night. The than stresses and anxieties to worry For more information on HMC visit:
white light, the seeking of likes and shares about.’ hmc.org.uk
on social media can be really addictive As to the ‘right’ number of hours’

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