Kids are obsessed with screens these days.
Between studying, video games, looking up social media and YouTube, most kids are spending 6 to 7 hours a day on display screens.
You know that screen time is bad for your kids’ eye health. Display screens emit blue light that goes into the eye and can cause damage unless your kid is using glasses that block blue light.
Kids are so invested in technology that you can’t keep them away from it.
But, you don’t have to completely abstain your kids from using your phone or laptop. There’s a good and a bad side to screen time. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to set boundaries.
We Live in a Virtual World
It’s a virtual world, no matter where you look, you have access to computers and devices. You have your smartphone with you 24*7. This indicates just how unavoidable these devices are in your day-to-day life.
However, excess of anything is bad and involves risks. And with screen time, the risk has to do with your eyes. The more you spend time on bright screens, the more you stress your eyes. It causes digital eye strain which includes a number of symptoms such as blurred vision and eye pain.
Designer prescription glasses or blue light glasses from reputable brands are able to block blue light and prevent eye strain.
While technology is useful in making learning more interesting and diverse for your kids, it also raises a few red flags.
The Pros of Screen Time
In addition to enriching the learning experience, technology has a few other benefits to offer your kids.
- It acts as a tool for communicating with friends or family
- Interactive screen use can help in the cognitive development of a child
- It gives them opportunities to explore their interests
- Your child will learn about new things and what’s happening in the world
- It will enhance their critical thinking skills
Cons of Screen Time
While screens have become a huge part of your child’s academic experience, it also poses a few risks you should know about.
- Display screens emit blue light which messes with your kid’s eye health. Blue light exposure leads to eye strain and visual discomforts. Make sure your kid is using blue light glasses during screen time. You can buy these glasses online in the UK or you can shop for them in-store
- Blue light also suppresses sleep which means if your kid is using a smartphone or laptop late at night, they will feel trouble sleeping. It can also lead to insomnia or an irregular sleep cycle
- Screen time is a static activity that is not ideal for your kid’s physical development.
- Kids who are attached to the screens have a hard time interacting socially and act awkward in social settings
Being a parent, you always want the best for your kids. It’s important that you’re aware of the few benefits and many harms of screen time so you can help your child strike a balance between screen time and human interaction.
Screen use that’s related to your child’s academic needs should be a priority for you too. But, don’t forget to set clear boundaries when it comes to using screens for other purposes.