First came the television. Do you remember the times your parents told you that they had to go further from the screen and shorten the screen time, so that you would not ruin your eyesight?
Little they knew about the things that would come – desktop computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets.
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As a parent you want your child to be the best he or she can be, and To be safe, comfortable and good at all times. And although you would not want to deprive children from access to their Gizmos, you are worried about the potential long -term negative side effects, especially for their eyesight. Or is there really a reason for concern?
According to Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization that wants to promote safe technology and media for children, the amount of screen time for children has not changed dramatically. However, there has been a huge shift in the platform, from television to mobile devices.
The non-profit organization adds that children spend no less than two and a half hours before a screen as young and two years old.
But is there really a reason for concern for parents?
Main facts: children and screen time
1. What is the care?
Nowadays, children are exposed more than ever to screens – TVs, tablets, smartphones – that can influence their attention span, sleep and physical activity.
2. Committed health risks:
Too much screen time is linked to behavioral problems, sleep disturbance, obesity and development delays, especially with toddlers and young children.
3. Expert guidelines:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend a screen time for children under 18 months, and a maximum of 1 hour a day high-quality programming for children 2-5 years.
4. Educational versus passive use:
Not all screen time is harmful. Educational programs, video calls with family or interactive learning apps can be beneficial when they are checked and used in moderation.
5. Parental role is the key:
Setting time limits, co-view content and modeling healthy device use are crucial to help children build a balanced relationship with technology.
Screen time and vision
All over the world, the cases of myopia or myopia have increased steadily since the 1970s. According to the American Academy or Ophthalmology, this can be attributed to the considerable increase in the time people spend indoors, in particular adults who work in an office, and less outdoor play time and sport in schools.
The organization emphasizes that the screen time is not the only culprit for this alarming trend. It also added that reading books could have a negative influence on eyesight for both adults and young children.
However, that does not mean that your children must have an unlimited screen time.
Side effects of long -term screen time
Long -term screen time affects both children and adults. Here are some of these adverse side effects that you need to know:
Eyes
Spending a considerable amount of time working for the computer or playing games on a telephone or tablet can lead to myopia. Experts believe that Spend enough time outdoors and get enough sunlight Help with the development of healthy eyes. In short, the more you and your child spend indoors in front of a screen, the more you deprive yourself from sunlight, which is vital to the health of the eyes.
Long -term screen time can also lead to eye fatigue, dry and irritated eyes. When you are confiscated with what is on the screen, the less likely you know how much time has passed. Moreover, you and your child may not blink as much as you should.
Sleep
Spending too much time for a screen, whether it means a computer monitor or a smart device screen that means excessive exposure to blue light. This can drastically change the circadian rhythm of a person. Moreover, if a child plays video games or watch films on a device, it can be difficult for him/her to switch to sleep.
Other side effects
Too much screen time can also lead to other problems in our body. These can include headache and neck and shoulder pain. Excessive screen time can also lead to irritability, poor academic performance, reduction of attention span and even bad behavior at home or at school.
A quick word about blue light
Computer monitors and gadgets give a diverse range of light rays, most of which are harmless. However, a cause of concern that parents should know is blue light.
In comparison with other light spectrums, blue light higher energy and shorter wavelengths. Experts suggest that blue light can be harmful to the retina.
In addition, excessive exposure to blue light changes someone’s circadian rhythm It interferes with a The person’s sleeping and wasting cycle. In the long term, this disruption can lead to a large number of health problems.
Long -term risks
Because smart devices have not existed for a long time, scientists are still in the dark about the possible long -term effects of too much screen time. It can take a few years, even for decades even before the long -term effects arise.
However, it may be wise to be careful and set limits to the device use and the screen time of your child.
Restrictive screen time
Smart devices indeed have their value, apart from entertainment. Some students use their phones and tablets for research on their homework or assignments. So how do you find a happy balance? Here are a few suggestions for parents.
For something else you have to give a good example. Your child will soon realize that the rules you draw up are insincere if you are the first to break them. Remember that children often model their behavior from the adults around them.
Set a limit on the screen time and encourage your child to adhere to it.
Make device -free zones. It can be the dining table or the family room. But if there is one place at all times that should be device -free, that should be your child’s bedroom.
Encourage your child to spend more time outdoors and to participate in outdoor sports, especially during the day. This will help to maintain his eye health and offer opportunities for interactive play and team sport.
Require regular breaks of screen use. This will help prevent eye fatigue and other vision problems.
Let the eyes of your child be examined annually
The symptoms of eye fatigue and tension are relatively easy for parents to recognize. However, fishing problems require the expertise of Eye care professionals They know how to do the relevant tests.
According to the American Optometric Association, Children must be checked every year as part of an extensive health exam. According to the AOA, children aged six and older must have their eyes checked every year, so that hidden problems can be diagnosed early.
There is a correct time and place for everything, including the use of smart devices. Although you do not have to deprive your child from the enjoyment of the devices, you must determine rules that help prevent the side effects related to too much screen time.
Author bio
Dr. Millicent M. Grim, specialist ophthalmologist & Lasik specialist, is medical director of Gulf Eye Center in Dubai. Since 2002, the highly qualified eyeologists and optometrists/ods of Gulf Eye Center have successfully treated a wide range of eye disorders using advanced techniques. They also offer extensive procedures for eye care and vision for people of all ages.
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