A helpful suggestion for parents, caregivers, guardians, and educators is to exemplify the habits discussed in this blog post! Children are more inclined to adopt healthy practices when they observe you taking breaks, enjoying the outdoors, and putting devices away before bedtime.
TIPS FOR HEALTHY SCREEN HABITS
1. Follow the 20-20-20 principle: Encourage children to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This practice helps relax the eye muscles and eases fatigue.
2. Establish reasonable screen time boundaries; not only should these limits be consistent, but they should also ensure that screens do not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or in-person interactions.
3. Ensure the screen is set up properly:
– Keep screens positioned at least 18-24 inches away from the eyes.
– Place the screen just below eye level.
– Ensure the room is well-lit to minimise glare and avoid excessive contrast.
4. Encourage frequent blinking and taking breaks: Children frequently forget to blink when they are focused. Remind them to blink and take breaks to prevent dry eyes.
5. Spend time outdoors: Outdoor time has been shown to help reduce the risk of myopia progression. Aim for at least 1-2 hours outside daily, allowing eyes to focus at varying distances.
6. Limit screen usage before bedtime: Blue light can hinder melatonin production, making it challenging for children to fall asleep. Try to avoid screens at least 1 hour before bedtime.
Additionally, establish device-free zones: designate specific areas in your home where electronic devices such as phones, tablets, computers, and TVs are prohibited. For example:
✅ No devices at the dinner table — to enhance family conversations and connections.
✅ No screens in bedrooms — to promote better sleep.
✅ A device-free play area — to encourage imaginative and active play.
This approach aids both kids and adults in developing healthy habits by ensuring that not every aspect of life is centred around screens.
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF EYE STRAIN
Be observant for complaints such as:
– Headaches or eye discomfort
– Frequent eye rubbing
– Squinting or sitting too close to screens
– Struggling to maintain focus or avoiding tasks that require close vision
If you notice these signs, seek advice from an optometrist at TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako, Abuja, for professional eye care for your children.
FINIAL THOUGHTS
Screens are a permanent part of life, so teaching children healthy screen habits now can safeguard their vision for the future. Balance is crucial — integrating screen time with outdoor activities, good lighting, breaks, and regular eye examinations will help keep those young eyes bright and healthy. Additionally, yearly eye check-ups are an excellent way to monitor your child’s vision; schedule appointments with TREVEC today.
TREVEC CARES!!!