If your child struggles with fear of the dark, monsters, sleeping alone or other nighttime worries, you're not alone. Nighttime fears affect up to 85% of children aged 7 to 12, and for many families these fears can make bedtime stressful and lead to ongoing sleep difficulties.
The Nighttime Fears and Worries Program, developed by researchers at Black Dog Institute and UNSW Sydney, is a free online research program designed to help children build confidence at bedtime using evidence-based strategies. Families participate from the comfort of their own home while helping researchers improve mental health support for Australian children.
The fully online program combines practical activities, videos and therapist support to help children overcome nighttime fears and improve their sleep.
Nighttime Fears and Worries Program
If your child struggles with fear of the dark, monsters, sleeping alone or other nighttime worries, you're not alone. Nighttime fears affect up to 85% of children aged 7 to 12, and for many families these fears can make bedtime stressful and lead to ongoing sleep difficulties.
The Nighttime Fears and Worries Program, developed by researchers at Black Dog Institute and UNSW Sydney, is a free online research program designed to help children build confidence at bedtime using evidence-based strategies. Families participate from the comfort of their own home while helping researchers improve mental health support for Australian children.
The fully online program combines practical activities, videos and therapist support to help children overcome nighttime fears and improve their sleep.
Who Can Participate?
Your child may be eligible if they:
- Are 7 to 12 years old
- Experience nighttime fears or worries (such as fear of the dark, monsters or being alone at night)
- Have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Can answer simple questions independently or with a parent's assistance
- Have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection
A formal diagnosis is not required.
What's Included?
Families who participate receive:
- Free access to the complete online program
- Weekly online modules (10 minutes to 1 hour each)
- Practical activities and evidence-based techniques
- 2–3 therapist support sessions via phone or Zoom
- Optional sleep support module if sleep difficulties continue
- Ongoing guidance from the research team throughout the program
Participant Benefits
As a thank you for taking part, participating families will receive:
- $100 in gift cards
- $50 after completing the Week 8 assessment
- $50 after completing the Week 12 follow-up assessment
- Professional therapist support throughout the study
- The opportunity to contribute to important research that could improve access to mental health support for children across Australia.
How the Program Works
The study runs over 8 to 10 weeks and is completed entirely online.
Families will:
- Complete short weekly online learning modules together
- Attend 2–3 scheduled therapist support sessions by phone or Zoom
- Complete brief online questionnaires at the beginning, Week 8 and Week 12 to help researchers measure the program's effectiveness.
No in-person appointments are required.
Why Join?
Nighttime fears are common, but effective treatment isn't always easy to access. This innovative program provides families with practical tools to manage bedtime anxiety while helping researchers develop better support for children experiencing nighttime fears and sleep difficulties.
Contact
Nighttime Fears and Worries Research Team
Black Dog Institute & UNSW Sydney
📧 Email: nighttimefears@blackdog.org.au
Families interested in participating can register their interest through the Black Dog Institute website to find out if they are eligible for the study.
