In a peaceful park, a family gathered for a pleasant outing. The energetic four-year-old grew restless, causing a commotion by running around and complaining. However, in a magical moment, she suddenly became calm and content.
What’s the secret to this change? Her father had handed her his phone. This common scene unfolds in parks, doctors’ waiting rooms, supermarkets, and public transportation capturing both understanding and sadness.
Many caring parents are unaware of the potential harm screen time can have on their child’s development.
Our lives have been changed, both positively and negatively, by screens. Screens encompass a variety of devices such as televisions, computer monitors, tablets, smartphones, dumb phones, children’s toy computers, Kindles and many more. Electromagnetic radiation in the visual spectrum is emitted by these screens, making them a significant presence in our daily lives. However, the impact of screens on our lives and those of our children is not always beneficial.
Recent reports reveal that approximately 50% of children aged 8 and under possess their own devices. These children spend an average of approximately 2.25 hours each day engaged with digital screens.
Prolonged & excessive screen time can result in eye-related issues.
Here are some of the ways screen time can affect kids’ eyes:
Eye Fatigue
Eye fatigue, also known as asthenopia, occurs when the eyes feel tired, vision becomes dim, and headaches occur. It can happen when children use their eyes too much, especially when they spend a long time looking at screens. Glare on the screen can make the problem worse and strain the eyes even more.
Children who experience eye fatigue may complain of headaches, eye pain, or feeling tired. They may also lose interest in activities like reading.
Dry and Irritated Eyes
When kids spend a lot of time using screens, their eyes can become dry and irritated. Research has found that people, regardless of age, blink less frequently when they’re focused on a screen, leading to dryness in the eyes. Having a clear and stable layer of tears on the surface of the eyes is important for clear vision. This issue can be more problematic for children who have to look up at a screen that is set up for adults.
Loss of focus flexibility
When kids keep their eyes focused on things up close for a long time, it can make it harder for them to see things in the distance. This is usually a temporary issue, and their eyes will adjust back to being able to see things both up close and far away.
Nearsightedness
Being exposed to natural daylight is really important for their eyes to develop properly. It’s not just about their overall health, but also about their eye health.
Research has shown that children who spend more time indoors are more likely to become nearsighted, which means they have trouble seeing things in the distance. Scientists are still studying exactly how this happens, but they think that UV light (as long as the eyes are protected from strong sunlight) plays a big role in keeping eyes healthy. The number of children with nearsightedness has increased in the past 30 years.
Does your child need blue-light filtering glasses?
Special glasses that filter blue light emitted from computers and other screens have gained attention, particularly with the increased reliance on online learning during the pandemic. Parents are often curious whether they should include these glasses on their child’s back-to-school supply list. While there is no evidence indicating that blue light is harmful to the eyes, it can impede children’s ability to fall asleep and contribute to eye strain. However, implementing strategies such as turning off screens an hour before bedtime, practicing the 20/20/20 rule, and following other recommended tips can effectively mitigate these issues, without requiring any purchases.
Help your child practice good eye habits
1. Screen Time Bonding– Whenever possible, try to co-watch with your children. If they are going to spend time in front of screens, the most beneficial approach is to join them and actively participate in the content they are consuming. By watching the same show or playing the same game, you can assist them in comprehending what they are seeing or experiencing. Take note of interesting aspects, raise questions about the plot or characters, and if someone on a show is singing a song, feel free to sing along with your child.
2. Screen-to-Eye Distance– It is suggested to position screens at least arm’s length away to minimize eye strain. Ensure that the screen is positioned in a way that your child looks slightly down at it, rather than looking up. Implementing the 1-2-10 rule for screen positioning can be helpful: Hold phones approximately 1 foot away, sit around 2 feet away from laptops and desktops, and encourage children to sit approximately 10 feet away from the television.
3. Device-Free Time– Keep bedtime, mealtime, and family time screen-free. Don’t use screens in the car except for long trips, and consider setting a curfew or an agreed-upon time when your family shuts off all screens. Balancing online and offline time is extremely important.
4. Digital Role Modeling– It’s important to be mindful of your own phone usage and set a positive example for your children. Kids tend to imitate the behavior they observe in their parents, especially at a young age when their parents are their primary role models. If they see you constantly engrossed in screens throughout the day, they may perceive that as acceptable and develop a desire to do the same.
5. Vital Three– Emphasize: sleep, healthy nutrition, and exercise. All three are essential to optimal brain growth and development and health and wellness for children and adults alike. And excessive screen time can impact all three. Children who spend more time in front of screens have been shown to eat more fast food and less fruits and vegetables and get less sleep and exercise. Therefore, it is very important to incorporate healthy lifestyle choices as part of the daily routine, as well as limiting screen time.
Keep in mind that children, especially younger ones, may require assistance and gentle reminders to use digital screen devices in a way that is eye-friendly. As a parent, it’s important to be proactive in promoting healthy screen habits.
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