What can families do when bedtime turns into a nightly fight about putting devices away? 

Parenting Perspective 

When bedtime consistently devolves into a battle over devices, the entire evening can become stressful and exhausting. Children may argue, bargain, or try to sneak their devices back later, leaving parents feeling frustrated and the child overtired the following day. The key to breaking this cycle is to approach bedtime rules not with conflict, but with consistency, empathy, and a clear structure. 

Set the Expectation in Advance 

Do not wait until the moment of bedtime to announce that it is time for devices to be switched off. Agree on the rule earlier in the day, during a calm moment: ‘Just a reminder that at 9 p.m. tonight, all devices will be put away so we can all rest well.’ Predictability is a powerful tool for reducing last-minute arguments. 

Use a Family Charging Station 

Designate a shared spot outside of the bedrooms, such as in the kitchen or living room, where all family devices are placed to charge overnight. It is crucial that this includes the parents’ phones as well. When children see that the rules apply to everyone, they are much less likely to feel that they are being treated unfairly. 

Offer Calming Alternatives 

Help your child to build a peaceful wind-down routine with activities that can replace screens. This could include reading a story together, journaling, listening to a calming recitation of the Quran, or simply having a light conversation about their day. When bedtime feels peaceful and connecting, rather than empty, resistance naturally decreases. 

Stay Calm and Consistent 

Avoid turning the collection of devices into a shouting match or a power struggle. If a child argues or resists, calmly but firmly remind them of the agreed-upon routine and then follow through. Over time, your consistency will teach them that the rule about devices at night is not negotiable. 

By shifting the focus from punishment to the creation of healthy and positive routines, parents can successfully end bedtime battles and help their children build habits that benefit their rest, health, and overall balance. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to honour the night as a time for rest and worship, not for idle distraction. By protecting the night hours from excessive screen use, we are actively safeguarding both our physical health and our spiritual well-being. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqan (25), Verses 47: 

‘And it is He who has made the night for you as clothing, and sleep for rest, and made the day for resurrection…’ 

This verse is a beautiful reminder that the night was divinely designed for rest and renewal, not for endless stimulation and activity. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6324, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When one of you goes to bed, let him dust off his bed and say: “Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya (In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live).”‘ 

This teaching shows that the act of going to bed should be one of calm preparation, centred on the remembrance of Allah Almighty, rather than on restless distraction. 

By framing bedtime as a time for rest and remembrance, parents can help their children see the ‘no devices’ rule not as a restriction, but as an act of protection for their body, mind, and soul. Over time, this shared understanding helps to transform nightly fights into peaceful and restorative family routines.