We live in a tech-heavy time, where children’s eyes are constantly on a digital device: tablets, laptops, phones. Sure, it’s the new “normal,” but it doesn’t come without consequence. Many kids are consistently complaining about symptoms that, at one time, applied mostly to adults who work full-time on computers, such as headaches, eye discomfort, distance blur, severely dry eyes, and excessive blinking. Studies have also shown that the blink rate decreases during device use, which may interfere with tear film dynamics, causing dry eye symptoms. The rates of nearsightedness have increased worldwide, increasing the risk of retinal detachments, glaucoma, and other eye diseases.
The good news is, there are effective ways to combat a summer of screen time. While there is no proof that increased electronic time causes nearsightedness, experts do agree that time outside is effective in preventing nearsightedness. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no screen time for children under two years old; one for children ages two through 12; and two hours per day for teens and adults.
As parents, we often hear “limit screen time”—but is that effective enough? According to Michael Rich, a pediatrician and director of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, it’s most important to balance screen time and other activities. “The issue with screen time should not be that the time you spend on a screen is toxic, but that it is displacing something else. And if it is displacing something that is arguably a richer, more positive experience, then one should be thoughtful about that and make that choice,” he says.
Games are a great way to avoid screens while also spending time with friends and family. Jump in straight lines to capture and stack skippers in Skippity (MindWare). It’s a fast, easy-to-learn game! Strawberry Shortcake (Maestro Media) is a lively card game and bidding adventure that’s fun for everyone. Both available at amazon.com
Rich notes that because interactive media, games, and various sites are designed to make you lose track of time, it’s imperative to build days such that you’re intentionally including nonscreen time and not just putting a time limit on devices.
In Alabama, we’re often held back by the oppressive heat and humidity of the long summer, but creating an accessible outdoor environment can still go a long way when trying to avoid screens. For younger kiddos, consider a playset with swings and slides or a sandbox or water table. If that’s not possible, make a list of the many public parks we have available here, and set a goal to visit as many as possible. You can even make a game out of ranking your favorites. Consider planting a garden—fruits and veggies or flowers—and taking care of it together. The website busytoddler.com offers lots of ideas for creative outdoor play.
Make family time a priority, and plan outings together so children feel involved: go camping (even if it’s just a night in the back yard!), unplug for a few days at the lake, spend the morning biking, slather on the sunscreen and go swimming. Look into summer camps that don’t allow devices and/or are focused on outdoor activities. Focus on the extra time summer offers to participate in activities that aren’t ideal during the school year.
Play dates are a great motivator for children to spend time outdoors—everything is better with a friend. Keep your yard stocked with bikes or scooters, balls (bouncy, soccer, tennis), frisbees, and outdoor games like PaddleSmash or yard Yahtzee.
Establish your summer screen rules ahead of time, and focus on the outdoors this summer. You won’t regret it!