P068 Books, Bath, Bed and Beyond: The role of digital technology and family dynamics in the evening routines of primary school aged children

Abstract Introduction Digital technology is reported to impact children’s sleep, yet there is limited knowledge about how it is used and managed in the home. The family dynamics associated with technology use, a child’s bedtime, and family sleep are uncertain. This study examined the evening routines of families by constructing detailed individual timelines of evening routines, including the digital technology use, of 5–8-year-old children in their home environment. Method Semi-structured interviews, with time-of-day reconstruction, data prompting, and novel graphical elicitation techniques, were used to gather rich information about family evening routines. Interviews were conducted via Zoom and facilitated with the visual collaborative software, ‘Mural’. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Thirty interviews were conducted with parents (86.7% female) of 5–8-year-old children (66.7% boys). Families’ evening and bedtime routines were characterised variously on dimensions of rigidity or flexibility of routine based on time of day and order of activity, with variations in the tempo of these routines (paced versus rushing). Technology played a diverse range of roles within routines of families, including that of child minder, behavioural reward, distraction during mealtimes, calming device, bedtime aide, and to facilitate family connection. Discussion Evening routines and sleep management in daily life are complex and private experiences. This study provides rich contextual narratives about how family dynamics and technology fit into children’s lives during their evening and bedtime routines. This knowledge may inform behavioural strategies to ameliorate the potential negative effects of digital media on sleep health during childhood.