Are you also worried about increasing screen time ?

We all agree that screen time for each of us has increased during the lockdown. Online meetings or online classes have become a routine of everyone’s life. Even the TV & mobile uses hours are more than previous, we cannot blame OTT or social platforms for this, it is the one of the easiest option available. But at the end, our eyes (specially our children’s) and body are getting affected from multiple health problems.

These days, doctors have a lot of complaints about eye problems. Parents are concerned about their children. Therefore, they have to go to seek medical advice. According to Dr. Neha, children should reduce their screen time a bit because due to more screen time, children has started facing many problems. For example, sometimes headaches, irritation of eyes due to dryness, weakness of vision, heaviness in the brain, etc.

Sitting posture – Do not look at the laptop and mobile phone while you are lying down. Always use laptop on table or stand. During the online class, laptop should be keep at the distance of 33 centimetre because there is no significant difference between the screen of mobile and laptop. Join the online classes by putting both on stand.

Proper light - Always make sure that wherever the child is sitting and studying in the house, there is enough light. Often children start their studies with the help of a laptop or mobile’s light, which is very harmful to their eyes.

Do not use more than six hours - According to some studies, if children or adolescents use mobile or laptop more than six or seven hours. They may have problems such as self-control and curiosity, lack of focus and unable to make friends easily. Consider these, if you have more problems then consult to doctor.

Take Gap after short time - The use of mobiles and laptops cannot be avoided due to online learning method, but taking a gap after a short time can reduce the impact on the eyes.

Spend quality time with family - Try to create an environment in which there is no place for technology. There are neither smartphones nor laptops. Encourage the child to join in the quality time of laughter, jokes and sports with the family. Also keep an eye on it that while eating food or while talking to the family, there should be nothing like a mobile phone or laptop in his hand.

Do not use phone before going to bed - Develop the habit for the whole family. Distance from electronic gadgets before going to bed. Neither use the phone yourself nor let children do it for about an hour before going to sleep. Rather, spend this time sitting together and talking.

Educate children - Explain to your children how much harm can be done to them by dangerous content. Tell them how playing violent games, or watching violent movies can disturb their peace of mind. Make such rules that they should stay away from social media and do not even tell the password to the children.

Indoor games - Encourage children to play indoor games, read books, solve puzzles and listen to music. Encourage them to increase creativity. Involve in activities with the family. Make children interested in all the interesting topics like science and technology or general knowledge.

You can also do this: -

• Children must be relaxed in between while studying online.
•  Ask to close the eyes for one minute after every 15 minutes.
•  Screen of the gadget should be large so that the impact on the child's eye will be less.
• The level of the screen and the child's eyes are equal, the back and head remain straight.
• The distance between the children and the screen should be two feet.

Keep young children away from gadgets: -

• Children below 18 months should not be allowed to use any kind of gadget.
• Parents should only show high quality programs to children from 18 to 24 months.
• Children of two to five years old should not use the screen for more than one hour. 
•  Six-year-old and older children have to limit screen viewing time.

Chhavi Aggarwal