What steps can families take to make bedrooms true screen-free zones? 

Parenting Perspective 

Frame Bedrooms as Spaces for Rest and Peace 

Children are more likely to accept the idea of a screen-free bedroom if they understand the reasoning behind it. Parents can explain, ‘Our bedrooms should be places for sleep, calm, and privacy, not for gaming or scrolling.’ By linking the rule to health and wellbeing, it is perceived as an act of care rather than a form of control. Crucially, parents must model this same standard by keeping their own devices out of the bedroom, proving it is a rule for the whole family. 

Create Practical Alternatives to Screens 

For the rule to be effective, there must be practical alternatives in place. A central charging station in a shared space like the living room naturally encourages everyone to leave their devices outside the bedroom at night. Furthermore, introducing positive bedtime routines, such as reading a book or talking about the day, gives children something to look forward to as they wind down without a screen. 

Make It a Consistent Family Standard 

The most critical factor is consistency. If parents forbid their children from having devices in the bedroom but sneak their own in, trust will be broken. By making the screen-free rule a standard for the entire family, it becomes part of a healthy culture rather than a punishment for the children. Over time, everyone in the family will begin to associate bedrooms with comfort and rest, which improves both sleep quality and family connection. 

Spiritual Insight 

Bedrooms as Spaces of Dignity and Privacy 

Islam places a high value on maintaining private, calm spaces within the home. The bedroom, in particular, should be a place of dignity, rest, and privacy, free from the constant intrusion of the outside world. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verse 58: 

‘ Those of you who are believers, on three occasions (of the day), let those women that are legally bound to you (female servants), and those who have not attained the age of puberty amongst you, seek your permission (before intruding on your privacy); (firstly, at any time) before the Fajr (dawn) prayer; (secondly, at the time) when you put aside your garments, at noon (for a siesta); (thirdly, at any time) after Isha (night) prayer; (these are the) three times of privacy for you…’ 

The Blessing of a Tranquil Home 

The prophetic tradition teaches that the home is a place of unique blessing and peace. Honouring private spaces like bedrooms by keeping them free of digital distractions helps to protect and nurture that tranquillity. 

It is recorded in Mishkaat Al Masaabih, 1062, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Do not prevent your women from going to the mosques, but their houses are better for them.’ 

Creating a True Sanctuary 

By reframing bedrooms as spaces for rest, replacing screens with meaningful routines, and applying the rule equally to all, parents can transform these rooms into true sanctuaries. This approach not only supports physical health and family trust but also aligns the home with the Islamic values of dignity, privacy, and peace.