Digital devices for children
The present moment has forced many children to spend more time on digital devices. Some children spend more than 6 hours a day on their digital devices.
The visual need for children's eyes to stare at digital devices for a long time for learning and play-time can makes many parents worried about health of their children's eyes.
We are aware of the concerns parents have about their children. So we let our experts explain the effects on the eyes that digital devices can have. and give advice on how to care for your baby's eyesight
The time children spend on digital devices
The survey found that children aged 5-16 spend an average of 5-6 hours a day on digital devices. Most of their time is spent playing games, watching TV and using the Internet. Moreover, we found that during the epidemic crisis The rate of digital device use among children was 130% higher, excluding digital device use from online learning.
From research in Canada, it was found that Children's inability to leave the house during the epidemic meant they were spending up to five hours a day in front of screens. does not include online learning
How do digital devices affect children's eyes?
Digital devices, whether they are computers, laptops, or tablets, are essential learning tools. giving children access to unlimited knowledge But using digital devices for too long without resting your eyes. Or used in an inappropriate position may affect the child's low, such as eye strain (eye strain), burning eyes (soreness) and may cause increased myopia (myopia).
Eye strain from digital devices (Digital eye strain)
Digital eye strain is a common symptom after prolonged use of digital devices. When your child spends too much time in front of a screen and looking at the screen at too close will result in eye muscle fatigue The glare from various digital screens is another trigger for children to get tired faster. Signs that your child is using their eyes too much are eye discomfort, headache, eye strain, difficulty concentrating, dry eyes, blurry vision, and light sensitivity.
Myopia/Short-sightedness
Myopia , or nearsightedness Means that one person is unable to see clearly. but can clearly see the distance At present, we are unable to determine the cause of clear vision. However, research has found that many factors affect the occurrence of myopia.
Studies have shown that nearsightedness is linked to heredity. and related to visual behavior, for example, children who spend time reading or digital devices for hours a day. We also found that children today are more likely to be nearsighted than before due to their increased use of digital devices. and children spend less time doing outdoor activities Makes us believe that the continued use of digital devices for a long time and spending less time outdoors increases the risk of myopia in children. Many children have trouble looking at the board when they return to school after the semester break.
Does Blue Light Affect Children's Eyes?
In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about the dangers of blue light to the eyes. The effects of blue light on children's eyes are no different. Blue light from various screens that children use can have a negative effect on children's eyes whether it is eye discomfort, nearsightedness or farsightedness.
References
Koh, Elizabeth, and Fitch, Asa, 'A Coronavirus Surges in Screen Time Boosts Chip Makers', The Wall Street Journal. (2020). [online] Available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-coronavirus-surge-in-screen-time-boosts-chip-makers-11588066203 . [accessed 28/8/20]
Algar, Selim, 'Screen Time for Kids Explodes during Coronavirus crisis, study says', New York Post. (2020). [online] Available at: https://nypost.com/2020/04/23/screen-time-for-kids-explodes-during-coronavirus-crisis-study/ . [accessed 28/8/20]
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (2021), Screen Time [online]. Available at: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/about-us/professional-support-sites/screen-time/#:~:text=In%20the%20UK%20children%20aged,of%20screen%20time%20per% 20 days [accessed 13/5/21]
Qustodio (2020) Annual report on children's digital habits [online]. Available at: https://qweb.cdn.prismic.io/qweb/e59c2e0f-ef4f-4598-b330-10c430e2ec71_Qustodio+2020+Annual+Report+on+Children%27s+Digital+Habits.pdf [accessed feb 2021]
Moore et al. (2020), “Impact of the COVID-19 virus outbreak on movement and play behaviors ofCanadian children and youth: a national survey”, in International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2020) 17:85. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-00987-8 [accessed 13/5/21]
NHS, 'What causes short-sightedness?', Overview: Short-sightedness (myopia) (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/short-sightedness/#:~:text=Short%2Dsightedness%2C%20or%20myopia%2C,and%20is%20becoming%20more%20common. [accessed 28/8/20]
McCullough, S., O'Donoghue, L., and Saunders, K., (2016), Six Year Refractive Change among While Children and Young Adults: Evidence for Significant Increase in Myopia among White UK Children. [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0146332 . [accessed 28/8/20]