How to Talk with Kids About Screen Time & Digital Eye Strain

How much Screen Time is too much for Kids?

The CDC reports that kids ages 8 through 18 typically spend over seven hours a day in front of a screen for entertainment. Spoiler alert—this amount is way more than the amount of time recommended by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). Let’s break down how much screen time is recommended for each age group.

• For children under 2, the AACAP recommends little to no screen time.
• For children from 2 to 5, the amount of screen time for entertainment should be limited to one to two hours each day, excluding screen time needed for educational content.
• For children 6 and over, parents and children should make a screen time schedule together, aiming for two to four hours of screen time for entertainment in addition to the screen time needed to do schoolwork.

If you notice your kids are experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, it’s time to work on reducing their current screen time. Also, to ensure a good night’s sleep, it’s best to encourage kids to end screen time 30 minutes to an hour before bed.

Symptoms of too much Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain

The American Optometric Association defines computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain as a group of eye and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. In addition to excessive screen exposure, digital eye strain symptoms can result from insufficient lighting, poor posture, glare or uncorrected vision problems.

The main symptoms of digital eye strain caused by too much screen time include:

It’s important to know that children may not be able to express—or even notice—their own symptoms. Stay on top of your kids’ eye care needs by watching for symptoms and making back-to-school eye exams part of your children’s yearly routine. Even if your kids don’t currently wear glasses, eye exams provide the opportunity to check in with their eye doctor about vision changes and learn about healthy practices. Schedule an eye exam today if you think your child might be experiencing digital eye strain or if it’s been more than a year since the last exam.

How Do I Talk to My Kids About Screen Time?

Don’t stress about starting the conversation with your kids about screen time and digital eye strain. Here are a few tips to guide you along the way.

Create an Open and Safe Space

First, create an open and safe space for conversation with your kids. Initially, your kids may not want to limit screen time, especially if it means logging off their favorite games early. However, explaining the reasoning for it helps them understand why limiting screen use is necessary.

Discuss What Screen Time Includes

Outline what screen time includes to help your kids understand what counts and when they’ve reached their limit. Screens include computers, phones, tablets, TVs and gaming devices. Screen time limits shouldn’t focus on educational activities and schoolwork. Instead, help your kids set limits on entertainment—watching TV, playing video games and chatting online.

Talk about the Pros and Cons of Screens

Remain objective about screen time, explaining that devices aren’t bad, but to maintain optimal health, we need to monitor how much we use devices. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to discuss online safety and privacy. Explain why some sites cannot be used at all and discuss maintaining appropriate and safe behavior online.

Create a Screen Time Plan Together

Rather than dictate rules about screen time, work with your kids to devise a screen time plan together. They are more likely to follow the plan if they have a hand in making it. Create a schedule and block off times for educational screen time and screen time for fun. Additionally, come up with other enjoyable activities to substitute for screen time, like sports, family game nights, reading and crafts.

Lead by Example

As you have no doubt already discovered, the best way to get kids to change habits is to lead by example. Show your kids that you are limiting your own screen time. Make a promise as a family not to use devices at the dinner table and work together to hold each other accountable.

Take Protective Measures

Decreasing screen time can be challenging. So, take protective measures to help your kids along the way. Set timers and blocks on digital devices or even use a phone lock box to keep devices out of sight for a few hours each day. For times when your kids can’t avoid screen time, consider investing in blue light glasses for your child which filter a portion of blue light in the 400–455 nm range..

Visionworks is on a Mission to Simplify Eye Care

From eyeglasses to eye exams, Visionworks is on a mission to simplify eye care and help your kids see their best. Having the screen time conversation is a great place to start educating your kids about their eye health. Other eye health topics to discuss with your kids include identifying the best foods for eye health and the importance of annual eye exams!

Schedule Eye Exam