The World Health Organization's 2019 guidelines recommend no screen time for children before age 1 and very limited screen time for several years after age 1.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children younger than 18 to 24 months. It recommends the use of digital media (other than video chat) and focusing only on educational media when children start using screens.
Children are growing up in a digital world surrounded by mobile devices, TV and computers. Some parents believe that such technology devices are essential for a child's development. In today's society, children spend more and more time sitting in front of screens, leading to increasing concerns about possible harm to their visual development. Nowadays, we are encountering more and more complaints of dry eye and eye fatigue related to the use of digital technology. As children's screen time continues to increase, many parents are wondering how harmful overexposure to electronic media is. Of course, there are benefits of digital devices when used correctly, and the use of technology is inevitable today. Making good use of the world of digital information can prepare children for future careers in technology-related fields. However, children who spend too much time with digital screens may become socially inadequate and experience health-related problems, including visual development problems. Although such devices are our friends, if we are not careful and controlled, they can become harmful in many ways, especially eye problems. Staring at the screen for too long can cause a number of problems such as computer vision syndrome and dry eye.
In a survey conducted in England, it was found that children use TV, iPad, When looking at how much time they spend on smartphone screens, 37% showed that they spend 1-2 hours a day, and 28% spend 2-3 hours a day on technological devices. The same survey found that 34% of 2-5 year olds own a tablet. It also revealed that 85% of mothers use technology to keep their children busy while going about their daily work. A similar trend also exists in our country. My day 100% of children spend more time watching television or using computers and tablets than they do at school. During the pandemic period, children spend almost all their days in front of the screen.
Parents need to seriously consider how much screen time they allow their children. It is known that the amount of daily screen use is associated with developmental effects, obesity, poor sleep quality and eye development. A study from Canada showed that preschoolers who had more than two hours of screen time a day were approximately 8 times more likely to develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME CAN LEAD TO: ·
Visual Impairments ·
Eye fatigue caused by screen glare ·
Eye fatigue caused by sitting too close to the screen ·
Distant vision less flexibility in focusing on objects ·
Development of myopia at a much earlier stage ·
Leading to Loss of Social Skills
Lack of normal social skills ·
>Causing one-on-one conversation problems ·
Lack of interaction with other children ·
Loss of creativity, such as not knowing how to behave
EFFECTS OF SCREEN USE ON CHILDREN'S EYES
The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not make any specific recommendations regarding screen time for children. However, parents should be aware of the possible effects of screen use on children's eyes. In addition, one should be aware of the comprehensive health problems raised by health organizations such as the World Health Organization.
Myopia (Nearsightedness) and Close Working and Reading
The prevalence of myopia in the United States has nearly doubled since 1971. in Asia, Nearly 90 percent of young people and adults have myopia, and a dramatic increase in myopia is observed in new generations. A 2019 study published in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides information that at least some of the increase in myopia worldwide is related to near-work activities. It's not just screens that affect eye development. At the same time, all close reading time and the amount of time spent indoors in general become important. Spending time outdoors – especially in early childhood – has been found to slow the progression of myopia.
Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, like any eye disease, affects only one eye. It is not a disease. It is the name of the types of symptoms people experience when they stare at a screen for a long time. These symptoms include dry eyes, itchy eyes, blurred vision and headaches. These symptoms are temporary and do not cause permanent damage to the eyes. The easiest way to prevent digital eye strain (or eye strain from reading or other close-focus tasks) is to blink frequently and look up from your screen or nearby work for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, taking about 20 steps ( 5 meters) or farther away. This frequent refocusing strategy is called the 20-20-20 rule and helps the eyes relax.
Sleep Disorder / Inability to Sleep Due to Screen Use
Some dangers of blue light are over. Although it has been exaggerated over the years, screen use too close to bedtime can harm sleep quality. Sleep is extremely important for childhood development, and sleep is one of the focal points of the World Health Organization's important health recommendations. It has also been claimed that excessive daily screen use in young children causes eye strain.
In a world full of screens, your child's eye health is It is necessary to find a balance that is safe for the child's developing mind. While the period when schools were closed and distance education was provided due to the pandemic created an extra situation, the following are the following regarding screen time, which affects children's psychological and social development as well as eye health, even during the normal school period. You can take the suggestions into consideration.
FINE TUNING SKILLS
Doing activities that develop small motor skills and the five senses. For example: singing, sorting items such as building blocks, etc.
PLAYTIME: Playing with siblings or other children is important for developing strong social skills. TV characters are no substitute for playmates.
STORY TIME: Having children read books to stimulate their brains. For example: story books, “uninstall the app” books, iSpy and touch and feel books.
Digital devices are no longer recommended except video chat with your loved ones in the 0-18 month period. During the first few years of your baby's development, social connection and interaction with the world around him are very important.
LIVE VIDEO CHAT EXCEPTION Virtual visitation “chats” with a loved relative are not considered objectionable. Screen time for children of this age may be limited to such video chats.
18 months – 2 years old LIMITED SCREEN TIME
Do not expose your child to digital media. If you choose to introduce, then it is best to use it together. REINFORCE THE LESSON: Repeat what the video says and/or point out what is on the screen to make sure they are learning along with the content.
GUIDE THEIR EXPERIENCE: Treat a video or app like a picture book. Make screen time an interactive learning activity that you can share together. The baby's development is still important and if you use a screen, use it with him as a learning tool. Do not leave a tablet in the child's hand to follow children's programs and leave it alone
TECHNOLOGY-FREE ZONES
Plan designated family times so that children are not tethered to a device. Watch educational programs with your children so you know what they are seeing and help them apply it to the world around them.
TRY TO SPEND MORE TIME OUTDOORS.
Although this is more difficult during the pandemic period, try to create entertainment times outside the home as much as possible. Tablet phone screens for children Do not make it a fun pastime for your child. Being more active outside and spending time away from devices is important for your child's independence. Even though the child grows up, you should still limit the content and time spent. 1 hour of screen time per day is recommended for ages 2-5.
2 HOURS DAILY FOR 6-12 YEARS OLD
Parents are an example in this regard. should be. If you are not a ROLE MODEL as a parent, you cannot explain to your children that they need to comply with time limits on devices.
FACE-TO-FACE SOCIALIZATION is very important. You can meet other parents and arrange play dates with their children. Social interaction is crucial for development and this will enable them to stay engaged with others.
FIND FUN ALTERNATIVES
Activities like puzzles and board games Get involved so your child can have fun while stimulating his brain. At this age, your child can easily operate a mobile device, so it's important to securely protect the content he or she can access.
AGES 13+
Although screen time increases, care should be taken to ensure controlled and balanced use. Get to know your child and find the right balance for them.
MONITOR THEIR ENVIRONMENT Monitor the content they consume and have conversations about the privacy and appropriateness of content shared on social media.
PROMOTE OTHER ACTIVITIES
Encourage your children to participate in sports, activities or clubs to limit device time. Teens will always be addicted to their devices and social media. Clearly state your limits and expectations regarding device use.
During the pandemic, face-to-face education is limited all over the world and children continue their education with distance education (electronic learning). You shouldn't be too worried about this issue. Even if the pandemic passes from now on, it seems that distance education programs will continue in our future. While children's involvement in a mutual activity (interactive education) while in front of the computer alleviates concerns about socialization, some minor issues regarding eye problems can be alleviated.
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