Concerned about too much digital screen time for your child? Five eye break ideas for distance learning.
Distance learning is increasing the screen time for our children.
With millions of children participating in distance or hybrid learning, screen time is increasing. It’s no surprise to parents that our kids are using their electronic devices and computers more than they were pre-COVID.
In fact, in the July KidSay report, 72% of kids surveyed say they’re using their electronic devices more often post-COVID.1
That’s a big increase.
Does more screen time create a problem for kids and their eyes?
What’s more concerning is according to Jobson’s Optical Research report, 64% of eye doctors say their patients are having issues due to increased screen time2. What's alarming is that would indidate that increased screen time is affecting our children.
Medical researchers had already seen a link between increasead digital screen time, close-in work, and limited outdoor activities and the onset and progression of nearsightedness (myopia)3. (Read a summary of their findings in the Review of Myopia Management) With more kids spending more time on screens due to COVID, this impact could grow.
How can parents lessen the impact of increased screen time on their children?
According to KidSay’s research, 87% of boys and 69% of girls 8-11 say their favorite free-time activities are watching videos or playing games on an app, video or computer. Kids don’t mention doing something outside as a free-time activity. That means, as parents, we have a lot of work to get our kids off their devices and doing something else.
Here are suggestions compiled from moms and eye care professionals on what we can do.
Five eye break ideas for your child’s screen-filled day
Have your kids take eye breaks, stretch breaks or one of the breaks suggested below.
Take a 20-20-20 eye break.
Make sure your child takes a 20-second break every 20 minutes and looks at least 20 feet away. That means focusing on something other than a computer, tablet, or cell phone. Eye care professionals say this will give your child’s eyes a chance to relax, which reduces eye strain. (Maybe you should do it with your child to give your eyes a break, too!)
With so many of us glued to our chairs due to remote learning and working, optometrist Louise Sclafani suggests adding 20 seconds of movement like stretching, running around the room, or doing 20 jumping jacks.
Set a timer on your phone and get your kids out of their chairs and into the routine of a 20-20-20 eye break.
Make a TikTok Video.
I know what you’re thinking. We are trying to get kids AWAY from their devices. But joining with your kids as they plan, stage, direct, and star in a video doing whatever (safe) activity they enjoy might just get them outside and dancing around.
Take A Break with Your Pet.
Pets are excellent entertainment for short breaks during online school. Have your child play with your dog or teach a new trick. Can your dog shake, roll over or do the army crawl? What about a cat? Kids can play hide-and-seek with one of your cat’s toys. Put the toy under a blanket and watch the cat try to find it. Or, drag a toy behind you and see if you can get your cat to chase it.
Take an eye break. Have your child walk the dog and practice her dog’s training.
Build a Fort.
Join your kids in building an indoor fort, whether it’s with boxes, blankets or sheets. Megan Hopp, a New York interior designer has suggestions on how to build awesome indoor fort. Just don’t let your kids sit inside the fort starting at their phones or tablets.
Take an Exercise Break.
Develop a simple exercise routine that can be done in a few minutes. Try jumping jacks, running in place, or push-ups. Dr. Beurkens writes in “25 Awesome Brain Breaks” that younger kids may enjoy popcorn jumps. That’s when you start and end a jump in a squatting position. You can even shout out “pop” with each jump. It’s a good way for kids to release some energy and relax their eyes in between online classes.
Parents, it’s up to us to help our children take breaks in between on-screen activities. Be creative, mix it up and remember to schedule those breaks. They may keep your child from having issues with too much screen time.
Sources:
1 KidSay – Devices & Digital Engagement Report, July 2020
2Jobson Optical Research, Wave 14, August 21 – 25th
3 Wong, Chee Wai, et al. “Digital Screen Time During COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom?.” American Journal of Ophthalmology (2020).
