AHN Pediatricians Provide Guidance for Parents, Caregivers as Back-to-School Season Approaches

Network physicians emphasize healthy sleep habits, limiting screen time and social media and staying up to date on routine vaccinations to help children thrive in the classroom and beyond

PITTSBURGH - As families prepare for back-to-school season, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) pediatricians are encouraging parents and caregivers to focus on healthy routines that support children's physical, emotional and academic well-being throughout the school year.

The guidance comes as new research published in the journal Psychological Medicine highlights the important role sleep plays in helping adolescents succeed both in school and in their social lives.

Researchers found that among several lifestyle factors studied, including screen time, exercise and diet, sleep quality was most strongly associated with improved academic performance and healthier peer relationships.

"Back-to-school season is the perfect time for families to re-establish healthy habits," said Joseph Aracri, DO, Chair of AHN Department of Pediatrics. "A consistent sleep schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to support their child's health - children who get enough high-quality sleep are better able to focus at school, regulate their emotions and maintain healthy relationships with friends. It's a foundational part of a healthy routine that makes a significant difference."

The transition from summer to the school year can be challenging for many children and parents, especially when later bedtimes, increased screen use and disrupted routines have become the norm during summer break, said Dr. Aracri.

Experts recommend gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up schedules one to two weeks before school begins, creating screen-free bedtime routines and ensuring children get age-appropriate sleep each night. For most children, they need a minimum of nine hours each night.

In addition to prioritizing sleep, AHN pediatricians encourage families to focus on several key areas that can set children up for success in the classroom and support their overall well-being throughout the school year:

• Stay up to date on vaccinations: Routine childhood immunizations help protect against vaccine-preventable diseases and help keep schools and communities healthy. Parents should check with their pediatric home to ensure children are current on recommended vaccines. AHN closely aligns with the vaccination schedule set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Limit screen time and social media use: Excessive recreational screen use can interfere with sleep, physical activity and in-person social interactions. Families should set reasonable limits and encourage screen-free activities whenever possible. This includes significantly limiting social media use for children of all ages.
• Focus on healthy nutrition: Balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats provide children with the energy they need to learn, grow and stay active throughout the school day. If families want extra support, AHN is equipped with leading pediatric nutritionists who are available by appointment.
• Encourage social connections and physical activity: Spending time with friends, participating in sports, joining clubs and engaging in other social activities can support emotional health, build confidence and strengthen important life skills according to clinically-backed research.

"We are seeing significant behavioral and mental health concerns among children of all ages that appear to be closely linked to social media use," said Dr. Aracri. "When possible, parents should significantly limit social media use or eliminate it altogether. We have seen increases in low self-confidence, social anxiety and body image concerns, and we believe social media is playing a major role in those trends."

AHN pediatricians also encourage parents to pay attention to signs that a child may be struggling emotionally as the school year begins, including persistent changes in mood, sleep, appetite or social engagement.

Families interested in scheduling a well-child visit or learning more about pediatric services at AHN can visit ahn.org, call 412-DOCTORS or contact their local pediatrician's office.

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