Study: Cellphones impact kids’ sleep

October 21, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Earlier this week, Newsday published a study in the Health & Science section of the paper entitled, Study: Cellphones impact kids’ sleep. In case you missed the article, I have attached it for your reading pleasure. A few years ago, we presented our students with the question, “Where do your electric devices ‘sleep’ at night?” The data showed that as student grade increased, the percentage of students reporting “In my room” approached 100%. Yes, 100% of the high school seniors that participated in the Student Vote that year reported that their electronics sleep in their bedroom at night. If we combine the Newsday article with the empirical data we collected a few years ago, we have an important learning opportunity. 

I am reaching out to you today with this information because the holidays are fast approaching. The holidays are a time when young people might receive upgrades and new electronics as gifts. This is a great opportunity to break old habits and develop new ones. As a parent, Scoutmaster for a local Scout Troop, and 30-year educator, I always share the importance of establishing a family charging station in the home. This is a place where all adult and child mobile devices go to “sleep” and charge at night. In my house, this exists in the den – far away from bedrooms. 

As we continue to work together to support the mental health of our young people, please take some time to reflect on the Newsday article and the concept of a family charging station.

 Sincerely,

 Timothy T. Eagen
 Superintendent, Kings Park CSD