Key findings
The latest National Child Health Poll from The Royal Children’s Hospital investigated sleep habits in school-aged children (5 to 17 years) and the misconceptions that parents hold about healthy sleep habits for kids.
Key findings include:
- One third of parents (32%) think if teenagers can’t get up for school, they’re lazy.
- Almost half of parents (46%) hold the misbelief that too much sleep is bad for teens.
- Almost half of parents (47%) believe screen time before bed helps children to wind down, which isn’t the case.
- One in five children (19%) don’t have a regular bedtime.
- Forty-two per cent of children have a problem with their sleep pattern.
Poll report
The latest National Child Health Poll found that just under half of Australian children aged 5 to 17 years (42%) have a problem with their sleep pattern according to parents. Among primary school aged children (5 to 12 years), 45% have a problem with their sleep pattern compared to 38% of teens (13 to 17 years). Overall, 28% of children have a small problem and 14% have a moderate to large problem. The report delves into a range of unhealthy sleep habits that commonly occur in Australian homes including screen time before bed, caffeine consumption and challenges around setting regular bedtimes.
Download the report
Poll questions
The poll surveyed 1,654 parents in November 2024, who provided data on 2,555 children aged between 5 to 17 years.
Download the poll questions
In the news
Information for parents
The Royal Children’s Hospital Kids Health Info fact sheets on sleep meet the needs of two age groups: babies and toddlers, and children and teens.
Sleep is an important part of healthy growth and development for children and teens. Good quality sleep allows the body to rest and helps with various physical and emotional processes, from immunity to concentration, emotional wellbeing and brain function.
Key points to remember for sleep related to children and teens:
- Sleep is a key part of healthy growth and development for children and teens.
- There are average ranges for how much sleep children need at different ages, but every child has individual sleep needs.
- Factors like caffeine and screens can lead to poorer quality sleep and delay your child falling asleep.
- Follow a consistent and predictable bedtime routine, and be clear with your child about acceptable behaviour.
- Try not to negotiate with your child at bedtime and aim to remain calm and consistent.
- Positive reinforcement is an important part of behaviour change. Praise and reward your child for their healthy bedtime habits when they wake up the next morning.
- If your child has nighttime worries, assure them you are confident in their ability to deal with them and that they are safe. If these worries are ongoing or severe, see a mental health professional for review and support.
