Findings from a new study suggest that children’s digital screen time has increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in potential risks to physical health. The study was published in the ‘Journal of School Health’ and was led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). ARU’s vision experts have expressed concern that it could affect children’s vision and general health, with several conditions linked to increased screen time, the COVID-19 pandemic leading to an unprecedented move towards distance learning, with many Countries closed their schools. Students were left to depend on digital tools to continue their education.
The review paper examined research studies conducted around the world during the pandemic, and the findings paint a consistent picture of increased digital screen time for children and adolescents. In Canada, 89 percent of parents admitted that their children were exceeding the two-hour daily guidelines set by the country’s health authorities. In Germany, screen time was increased by about an hour per day. In Chile, one study found that screen time among toddlers and pre-school children had nearly doubled to more than three hours per day, while researchers in Tunisia found that total screen time for children aged 5-12 registered an increase of 111 percent.
Eye health risks associated with the use of digital devices include eye strain, unstable binocular vision (using both eyes sufficiently to form a single visual image), refractive error, and dry eyes. The review also noted that children and teens often use multiple devices at once, for example to browse social media on their phone while viewing content on another device. Switching between devices increases the pressure on the eye by up to 22 percent, as it involves changing the distance between the different devices to which the eyes adjust. Increased screen time can also cause neck and shoulder strain, increase the amount of time spent sedentary, and is also associated with overeating, which can result in health issues such as obesity. Lead author Professor Shahina Pardhan
Director of the Vision and Eye Research Unit at ARU said: “It is really important to be aware of the potential risks to children’s short- and long-term eyes and general health. It is essential that equipment is used appropriately and away from digital devices Encourage activities, such as playing outside.
He further added, “Schools can ensure that time spent on digital devices is maximized for learning and less digital time is encouraged for other activities. Help governments shape home-based learning guidelines To work with schools that encourage creative learning, including promoting other types of activities and frequent screen breaks.” Co-author Dr Robin Driscoll said: “We have been very fortunate that children have been able to use technology to fill in-person teaching absences during the pandemic. However, we have to face this increased screen time. They need to be aware of the risks to their physical health as a result.
He added, “Through raising awareness of the risks associated with high levels of use of digital screens and sharing strategies to reduce the negative impacts, educators and parents can help educators and parents with the health of children and adolescents in the pandemic and beyond. and should be encouraged to enhance wellbeing.”
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