An eye-opening survey has revealed the staggering extent to which parents and guardians are embracing screens as tools to captivate their kids! With so many respondents recognising the convenience of screen time as a distraction, the results are nothing short of shocking, especially since we’re talking about children under 18!
In today’s digital age, Screens are everywhere — from TVs and tablets to smartphones and laptops. While technology offers incredible opportunities for learning and entertainment, many kids have become tech-savvy prodigies, effortlessly navigating gadgets on their own, which comes with its own set of perks. However, amidst the excitement lies a cautionary tale: excessive or improper screen use can impact your child’s eye health, and the long-term effects on these young eyes could be nothing short of catastrophic. As parents or guardians, it’s essential to create healthy screen habits that protect their developing eyes.
Let’s Dive into this pressing conversation about screens and their impact on children! Shall we?
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES WITH UNLIMITED SCREEN TIME?
Research has shown that preschoolers who engage in over two hours of screen time daily are almost eight times more likely to develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can impact daily life, including academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem.
Nonetheless, there are several other reasons why parents should carefully consider the amount of screen time they permit their children. A significant point to highlight is that children’s eyes are still developing. Prolonged close-up viewing of screens, extended periods without breaks, and exposure to bright or flickering screens have been linked to negative developmental outcomes, obesity, poor sleep quality, and issues related to eye health.
WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED SCREEN TIME LIMITS?
Expert organizations have established guidelines to assist parents in understanding the findings from scientific studies. The advised screen time for children varies by age. Here are some recommendations:
-For kids under 2 years: No screen time, except for video calls with family and friends.
– For children aged 2-5 years: Limit screen time to 1 hour a day of high-quality educational content.
– For kids aged 6-12 years: Allow up to two hours of screen time each day. Set consistent limits to ensure it does not disrupt physical activity, sleep, or other necessary activities.
– For teenagers 13 years and older: Limit screen time to a maximum of two hours a day, this includes usage of phones, tablets, computers, and television and excludes time spent on homework. Maintain limits to ensure that screen time does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other pursuits.
Note:The essential aspect of these recommendations is to guarantee that screen time is balanced with other activities that enhance physical and mental health.
This suggests that if you haven’t been adhering to the guidelines mentioned above for supervising your child’s screen time, it is time to visit TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako Abuja, for comprehensive eye care and personalized eye-related advice for your kids.
Would you like further information regarding the impact of screen time or tips for managing screen usage among children? Stay tuned!
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