Health professionals calling for stricter screen time monitoring

A recent study has revealed alarming data of screen time in primary aged children, with a South East Queensland optometrist giving parents and teachers a stark warning. More here.

With screens of all sizings becoming harder than ever to ignore, an optometrist has warned that too much screen time for young people could result in lifelong vision and learning issues.

An online research study by YouGov has revealed alarming data that has shown children between the ages of 5-12 are spending an average of three and a half hours a day on screens.

The data revealed this excessive screen time was occurring both at school and home, with the serious potential to have a lifelong impact on their eye health and learning.

To put the seriousness of the data into perspective, the national guidelines for screen times in children aged between 5-17 years is no more than two hours outside of their schoolwork.

In response to this data, a Southern Downs optometrist is pleading with parents and teachers to ensure safer screen practices are enforced.

A South East Queensland optometrist is calling on parents and teachers to monitor children’s screen time as shocking data revealed.

Warwick Specsavers optometrist Richard Hoang said undiagnosed myopia could impact children’s day to day life.

“As optometrists, we like to encourage parents, carers and teachers to ensure their children have their first eye test before starting school to detect and correct or manage any issues, so they don’t go untreated,” he said.

“Children’s eyes are still developing during their schooling years, and they can’t always tell you if they may not be able to see properly.

“If your child complains about headaches, blurred vision, trouble focusing or any other issues with their eyes, I recommend booking an appointment with an optometrist immediately rather than waiting until their next check-up.”

Mr Hoang’s top tips to help avoid digital eye strain are following the 20-20-20 rule, with the easiest way to achieve this is by reminding children to take small breaks and look out at a faraway object to give tired eyes some relief.

Take outside breaks and encourage children to participate in outdoor activities, remind children to blink and keep a water bottle close by to keep up hydration.

The data also revealed that 90 per cent of primary school teachers say they’ve witnessed signs of eye strain in their students.

These crucial signs range from rubbing eyes, watery eyes, headaches, neck aches, blurry vision and refraining from reading out loud.

Myopia which is also referred to as short sightedness has risen on a global scale, with the World Health Organisation estimating 52 per cent of the overall population will have myopia by 2050.

Optometrists in the Southern Downs are encouraging parents and carers to bring children in for an eye test and keep monitoring screen time.

It is recommended that children of all ages get a routine eye test every two years unless directed otherwise by their optometrist.