Visual education for children: screens, near work, and eye daylight protection

With the increasing prevalence of digital media in the lives of children, concerns about the impacts on their visual health have become paramount. Parents, educators, and healthcare providers are seeking effective strategies to mitigate potential adverse effects while optimising the benefits of technology. This guide provides valuable information and tips on managing screen time, near-work activities and ensuring adequate daylight exposure for children.

Effects of screen time on children’s health

1. Cognitive And Behavioral Impact

Early Development: Excessive screen time can hinder cognitive development and social-emotional skills, particularly in children under two. Interactions with caregivers are crucial for developing these abilities, and screens can detract from this essential engagement.

Preschool and Beyond: Well-designed educational programs can enhance cognitive and social outcomes. However, most commercially available apps need more robust educational value, and excessive screen time can still impede higher-order thinking and executive functions.

2. Physical Health Concerns

Obesity: A significant correlation exists between high screen time and increased BMI (body mass index) in preschool-aged children. The sedentary nature of screen activities and exposure to food advertising can contribute to unhealthy weight gain.

Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt melatonin production, leading to difficulty falling asleep and poor sleep quality. This is particularly problematic when screens are used in the evening or are present in the bedroom.

3. Visual Health Risks

Myopia (Nearsightedness): Prolonged near work, including screen use, is linked to a higher incidence of myopia in children. The lack of breaks and reduced outdoor activities exacerbate this risk.

Digital Eye Strain: Extended screen use can cause eye strain, headaches, and discomfort due to reduced blinking and improper viewing distances.

Managing screen time and near work

1. Setting Boundaries

Age-appropriate Guidelines: No screen exposure is recommended for children under two years. For children aged 2 to 5, limit screen use to one hour per day of high-quality programming. For school-aged children, establish consistent rules that balance screen time with other activities.

Media-free Zones: Create areas in the home where screens are not allowed, such as bedrooms and during meals, to encourage other forms of interaction and rest.

2. Encouraging Breaks

The 20-20-20 Rule: Encourage children to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and maintain eye health. Try to organise the desk so the view beyond it is unobstructed – like a window, not a wall.

Outdoor Activities: Promote outdoor play and activities that provide a break from screens and expose children to natural daylight, which is essential for overall health and myopia prevention.

3. Choosing Quality Content

Educational Value: Select apps and programs designed with educational input and have proven efficacy in promoting learning. Co-viewing and discussing content with children can enhance the academic experience.

Avoiding Inappropriate Content: Steer clear of fast-paced, violent, or purely entertainment-focused media, which can negatively impact behaviour and development.

Ensuring adequate daylight exposure

1. Importance of Natural Light

Circadian Rhythms: Natural light helps regulate the body’s internal clock, promoting better sleep patterns and overall well-being. Exposure to daylight is crucial for children’s health.

Vision Development: Regular outdoor activity in natural light is associated with a reduced risk of developing myopia in children.

2. Practical Tips

Outdoor Play: Encourage at least one hour of outdoor play each day. Activities like sports, walking, or playing outside can significantly benefit children’s health.

Window Access: Ensure that children spend time in well-lit areas of the home with access to natural light. Position study and play areas near windows whenever possible.

UV protection for children’s eyes

1. Risks of UV Exposure

Eye Health: Excessive exposure to UV rays can damage the eye’s surface tissues, cornea, and lens, leading to photokeratitis (very common in children during the summer, which results in red eyes, often with few symptoms), cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Skin Protection: Like the skin, children’s eyes need protection from UV radiation. Hats and sunglasses can shield their eyes from harmful rays.

2. Sunglasses and Protective Eyewear

UV Protection Standards: Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels indicating UV400 protection.

Sunglass Design: Opt for larger or wraparound styles to prevent UV rays from entering from the sides. Ensure the sunglasses fit well and are comfortable for children to wear.

Prescription Glasses: Consider lenses with built-in UV protection if your child wears prescription glasses. This can provide continuous protection without needing separate sunglasses. However, it is always best to ask your child’s ophthalmologist for advice, as prescription sunglasses are only sometimes required, and the daily usage time may not justify it.

3. Encouraging Habits

Modelling Behavior: Parents should set an example by wearing sunglasses and hats, demonstrating UV protection’s importance.
Educating Children: Teach children about the importance of wearing sunglasses and hats outdoors, making it a regular part of their routine.

Parental and educational role

1. Modeling Behavior

Parental Media Use: Parents should be mindful of screen use, as children often mimic adult behaviour. Setting a positive example by limiting screen time and prioritising face-to-face interactions can influence children’s habits.

Engagement: Active involvement in children’s media use, including co-viewing, discussing content, and participating in non-digital activities, fosters a healthier media environment.

2. Creating a Media Use Plan

Family Guidelines: Develop a family media use plan that outlines acceptable screen times, types of content, and designated screen-free times and zones. Regularly review and adjust the plan as children grow and their needs change.

Conclusion

Balancing screen time, near work, and daylight exposure is essential for the healthy development of children. By setting appropriate limits, encouraging breaks and outdoor activities, and actively engaging in their media use, parents and educators can help children navigate the digital world while maintaining their visual and overall health. Ensuring proper UV protection through sunglasses and educating children on the importance of eye safety can further safeguard their vision for the future.

Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics – https://www.aap.org/en/
American Academy of Ophthalmology – https://www.aao.org/eye-health
American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus – https://www.aapos.org/
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128
World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus – https://wspos.org/