Will children get myopia if they look at smartphones for a long time?
Yes, children who spend long periods looking at mobile phones or other screens may increase their risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness). While myopia is influenced by genetic factors, environmental factors such as excessive screen time and close-up activities (like reading or using mobile devices) are also associated with its development. Here’s how prolonged screen use can contribute to myopia in children:
How Screen Time Affects Vision?
Increased Eye Strain: Focusing on close-up objects like phone screens for extended periods can cause eye strain and fatigue, which can negatively affect vision over time.
Reduced Outdoor Time: Studies have shown that less time spent outdoors is linked to a higher risk of myopia. Natural light helps protect against myopia, and children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop it.
Close Focusing: Prolonged focusing on nearby objects, like mobile screens, encourages the eye to elongate, which causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, leading to myopia.
More related tips
- How to prevent children from being addicted to mobile phones?
- The negative effects of smartphones on students.
- How Long Should Your Kids Play Video Games Per Day?
- How Parents Can Guide Their Children in the Digital Age?
Preventive Measures
- Limit Screen Time: Encourage breaks from screens every 20 minutes (the "20-20-20 rule") to reduce eye strain. Using the Parental Control App to prevent them from reading bad content.
- Encourage Outdoor Play: Spending time outdoors in natural light is beneficial for children's eye health.
- Proper Lighting: Ensure screens are viewed in well-lit environments to minimize strain.
While long screen use is not the sole cause of myopia, managing screen time and encouraging healthy habits can help reduce the risk of children developing or worsening myopia.
