virginia Mom Warns of Nighttime Cell Phone Use After Daughter’s Suicide
BLACKSBURG, VA – A Virginia mother is sharing her story of heartbreak and loss, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy after her 10-year-old daughter, Autumn, died by suicide following an intentional overdose. Summer, autumn’s mother, now advocates for limiting children’s access to smartphones, particularly at night, believing nighttime screen use contributed to her daughter’s vulnerability.
The tragedy underscores growing concerns about the link between increased screen time, sleep disruption, and mental health challenges in young peopel. A recent study by Virginia tech Carilion School of Medicine researchers found that approximately two-thirds of youth ages 12-17 admitted to hospitals after suicide attempts by overdose occurred after 8 p.m.,and roughly three out of four had been using screens promptly beforehand. The study, led by clinical psychiatrist and professor Dr. Abhishek Reddy, highlights the potential dangers of nighttime screen use, citing its disruptive effect on sleep and limited access to support systems.
“It is very distracting and disturbs your sleep,” Dr. Reddy said of screen use before bed. He added that for children experiencing bullying, nighttime phone access can be particularly dangerous. “During the daytime, you can talk to people, you can talk to school counselors, you can talk to your family members, friends. But at nighttime, all that access is cut off.”
Summer now deeply regrets giving Autumn a smartphone at a young age and allowing her to use it in her bedroom at night. “She deserved to live life, and I will never see her go to a homecoming or prom,” Summer said, expressing the profound grief of a future irrevocably altered. “I’ll never see her, you know, get married, or in a wedding dress. and that’s really tough.”
Dr. Reddy recommends keeping phones out of bedrooms, prioritizing good sleep hygiene, and securing access to all medications.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
