Video games, iPhones and iPads are the usual culprits to blame for causing sleep problems in teenagers, yet Flinders University clinical psychologist says moderate technology use doesn’t significantly interfere with a good night’s sleep.

Based on a series of studies undertaken at Flinders and around the world since 2010, Associate Professor Gradisar says the overall findings show technology isn’t as harmful for adolescent sleep as many health professionals – and parents – believe.

“A lot of people assume there’s a direct link; so that if teenagers use technology before bed their sleep will be effected, which is why sleep experts advise to avoid media before bed and in the bedroom, but it’s not that simple,” Associate Professor Gradisar, based in the School of Psychology, said.