YOU might worry how much time your kids are spending on screens.
Now, a survey has found the average child is spending a whopping 45 hours a week stuck indoors – with more than a third of that time staring at screens.
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A national poll of 2,000 parents with children aged 6 to 14 revealed youngsters are clocking up nearly two-and-a-half hours a day on smartphones, tablets, and the telly.
And while 63 per cent of mums and dads wish their kids would spend more time out in the fresh air, 43 per cent admitted their children just prefer screen time.
A quarter said their kids show zero interest in outdoor activities, while indoor habits are dominated by passive pastimes like watching TV (59 per cent), gaming (54 per cent), and scrolling on phones (41 per cent).
By comparison, just 34 per cent play with physical toys and only 31 per cent crack open a book.
As a result, two-thirds (67 per cent) of parents fear all this screen time could be harming their children’s eyesight.
The research, commissioned by Specsavers, comes as the optician launches an awareness drive to highlight the growing issue of childhood myopia.
Its put a giant outdoor snakes and ladders installation on London’s South Bank which encourages families to uncover children’s myopia myths and facts.
Optometrist Dr Nigel Best said: “Children’s eyes are still developing, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of extended screen use.
“Our optometrists see first-hand the impact prolonged screen use is having on children’s eye health.
“We’re encouraging parents to look out for early signs of myopia and to prioritise time outdoors, which has been shown to help protect children’s vision.”
The study also found parents want to see their kids out soaking up sunshine (47 per cent), playing with friends in real life (42 per cent), or exploring nature (39 per cent).
Two in three mums and dads are concerned about how much screen time their children are exposed to, with 42 per cent wishing they had a better balance.
Four in 10 (39 per cent) even said their kids seem addicted to devices, while 29 per cent fear it’s stifling their creativity.
One key tip to remember is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Dr Nigel Best
In a bid to break the cycle, 39 per cent of families have started planning more outdoor activities, and the same number are setting tech time limits.
A third of those polled via OnePoll.com have also had conversations about dangers of overdoing screen time.
Worryingly, one in four parents said their child has suffered headaches after being on their devices, while 20 per cent noticed their kids rubbing their eyes once they finally peel themselves away from the screen.
Others have complained of eye strain (16 per cent), sore eyes (14 per cent), and struggling to see the board at school (11 per cent).
Three in 10 (29 per cent) parents have also caught their children sitting far too close to the TV, while 23 per cent have noticed them holding books or tablets right up to their face.
Dr Best added: “The good news is that early action really can make a difference.
“Regular eye tests are vital in spotting the signs of myopia early and can help slow its progression.
“We want to empower families with knowledge and encourage them to take that first step by booking a free eye test.
“One key tip to remember is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. With myopia cases rising, early diagnosis has never been more important.”
Kids eyes: The signs not to ignore
Giles Edmonds, of Specsavers, said it’s not uncommon for kids to mask issues they might be experiencing with their sight. Here are some telltale signs:
1. The Eye Rub Maestro:
Eye rubbing is a sign of tired eyes at any age.
If you notice your child rubbing their eyes while focusing on an object, it could indicate eye strain, which could be due to an uncorrected vision problem.
2. The Reading Rebel:
If your child is reading below their expected level this could be a sign of several vision problems.
Children who have issues with their eyesight may also repeat the same line twice, lose their place or use a finger to guide their eyes.
Holding books or devices at a distance can support long-term eye health – keeping these items at a length of their knuckle to their elbow is a good guide, as holding them too close can be problematic.
3. The Eye Strain Star:
Sometimes there are physical signs such as straining eyes, closing one eye or holding objects too close or too far away.
If kids are straining to see the board at school, they may also get frustrated which can mean they are disruptive in lessons.
All these things can indicate problems with vision.
4. The Headache Hero:
Your child might experience more headaches, especially when reading.
When you look at objects or screens at close range, the muscles in and around your eyes need to work harder to focus.
Over time, these muscles can get sore and tired.
Similarly, squinting for a long period may tire the muscles around your eyes, which can lead to headaches.
5. The Head Tilter:
If your child has perfected the art of tilting their head to read a book, it’s a sign they might be hiding issues with their eyesight.
6. Close Encounter Enthusiast:
If your child makes a habit of sitting too close to the TV, this could be a sign they are struggling to see the details.
Sitting too close to the screen could in turn cause additional eye strain.
7. The Pirate Impressionist:
If your little one is often seen closing one eye when completing tasks, they may be doing this to favour their stronger eye and could highlight an uncorrected vision problem.
8. The Teacher’s Pet:
Sitting at the front of each class to get a good view of the board could be a sign your child is struggling with their vision.
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