Shut it down for shuteye! Create a no WiFi zone at bedtime

c/o Harmony Books

What’s the most disruptive factor in tween and teen bedrooms today?
“Mobile devices that are kept on all night, while recharging, usually next to the bed or even under the pillow,” says Karen Kingston, author of “Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui,” (Harmony Books, $14.99).

The space cleaning expert says while kids want to stay connected to their friends, they don’t realize the downside.

“High levels of WiFi and electromagnetic field exposure so close to the body all night, every night impact health,” she says. “The busy thoughts this causes means they don’t get deep levels of rest. I always recommend turning off the WiFi at night and recharging the device in another room, or at least as far away from the bed as possible.”

While being connected may be cool, “It’s not sustainable,” says Kingston. “Something has to give, and it’s usually health or vitality. Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) run your life. It’s for the weak and insecure, and is just not worth it.”

Parents: lead by example, says the author.
“Make it a house rule – no WiFi after a certain time, and no devices recharging next to the bed. You can’t ask your kids to change unless you change first,” she says.