10 Tips to Limit Screen Time for Kids
Promote Good Eye Health Practices for Your Kids with Reduced Screen Time
Kids are growing today up in a digital world, which comes with incredible opportunities to connect, learn and play. However, spending too much time on devices strains eyes and cuts into family time. At Visionworks, we’re on a mission to improve eye health. Our team examines the important issue of how much screen time is too much and lists helpful tips to limit screen time for kids.
New Screen Time Recommendations for Kids
The CDC reports that kids aged eight to 18 spend over seven hours in front of a screen every day. Some kids spend as many as 12 hours a day in front of a device! Do you wonder how much screen time is too much? According to the latest screen time recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most kids are exceeding the daily screen time limit by threefold. The new AAP screen time recommendations for kids are:
- No screen time for children under two years old
- One hour per day of screen time for children two to 12
- Two hours per day of screen time for teens and adults
Are your kids going over the two hours of screen time maximum? They probably are!
Why is too much screen time for kids a bad thing?
While kids may have fun playing video games or scrolling social media, the effects of too much screen time have been linked to some harmful consequences.
Too much screen time can lead to:
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep/wake cycle disturbances
- Digital eye strain
What is Digital Eye Strain?
The American Optometric Association or AOA defines digital eye strain as a group of eye and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader or cell phone use. Digital eye strain is linked to various factors involved with screen time, including blue light exposure, poor posture, glare and improper viewing distance.
Digital eye strain symptoms may include:
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Tired or sore eyes
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
If your kids have any of these symptoms, they may be suffering from digital eye strain brought on by too much screen time.
10 Ways to Limit Screen Time for Kids
Check out these ten tips to reduce children’s screen time.
Start a Conversation about Screens
Before you make new rules around screen time, start a conversation with your kids about screens. Discuss the harmful effects of screen time and the benefits of moderation. Screen time is like candy: it can be fun, but too much can make us sick! Get your kids excited about new activities they can do instead and be understanding during the transition. Going from eight to two hours on screens is a big adjustment for anyone!
Set Time Limits on Devices
Today, many devices come with parental control settings and features designed to limit screen time. Set up parental passwords and add timers to shut down apps after the max usage time has been met.
Create Electronic-free Zones in the Home
Limit electronics and screen time for kids by creating electronic-free zones in your home. Start by removing electronic devices from bedrooms and limiting computer, television and gaming console usage to one designated room. Encourage family members to drop off their phones at the door rather than keep them in their pockets. Keeping phones out of reach helps reduce distractions and the temptation to log on.
Make a "No Phones at the Table" Rule
Make dinnertime family time by creating a “no phones at the table” rule. Use dinnertime to chat, catch up and connect in real life. You may be surprised to see how distracted everyone had been when you had your phones at dinner!
Switch Paperbacks for Tablets
In a digital world, it's nice to get back to analog every once in a while. Try substituting paperback books or magazines for tablets. And—there’s nothing quite like that wonderful library smell!
Encourage Outdoor Activities
Instead of playing basketball on a gaming device, encourage your kids to play outside in the driveway with a new hoop. Kids enjoy reconnecting with the outdoors—and physical activities help them burn off some of that extra energy.
Set aside Time to Unplug
Schedule time every day for each family member to unplug and unwind. Allow your kids to choose their unplug activity. They can practice yoga, meditate, journal, read or color. Scheduling time in the family planner makes it easier to stick to this routine.
Set Screen Time Goals and Reinforce with Rewards
Set goals for reducing screen time gradually and reward your kids for meeting new benchmarks. Try reducing screen time by an hour each week until you reach the level that’s right for your kids and family. Also, remember to employ the 20-20-20 regimen when using your devices: set a timer so that every 20 minutes, you’re reminded to look about 20 feet away from the screen for at least 20 seconds.
Use Blue Light Glasses while Using Digital Devices
In a digital world, we all have to use screens throughout the day—even kids! Help your kids combat digital eye strain with blue light glasses. Visionworks Smart Screen lenses are clear lenses that filter out three times more blue light than average glasses, reducing your blue light exposure by 45% and combating the effects of digital eye strain. Smart Screen lenses can be added to both prescription and non-prescription glasses. It’s never been simpler to get blue light glasses for kids!
Lead by Example
Remember to lead by example. Join your kids in unplug hours, outdoor activities and at the dinner table with no phones. Spending too much time on screens is learned behavior—and it can be unlearned. When your kids see you putting down the phone to enjoy other activities, it encourages them to do the same.
Ensure Healthy Vision for Life—Schedule an Annual Eye Exam with an Optometrist
Start good eye health practices early and schedule your child's annual eye exam. Ask your eye doctor about blue light glasses and recommendations for helping your child achieve healthy vision. At Visionworks, we make it super easy to schedule an eye exam online.
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
