Why increased screen time is harmful?

• Risk factor for myopia
• Causes behavioural issues – child becomes irritative and shows temper tantrums
• Irregular sleep pattern
• Loss of social skills – does not mix with the surroundings

Screen time Guidelines

<2 years – only video call with a distant parent

2-5 years – Less than 1 hour/day

>6 years- Under moderation – follow guidelines below

For Parents

Do 

• Follow 20-20-20 rule (every 20 min – look 20ft away/out of the window- for 20 sec)
• Posture – Sit upright with back straight
• Screen position – Keep laptop 18-24 inch apart, slightly lower than eye level
• Screen size- Connect to a bigger screen like TV and watch at a distance
• Remind kids for frequent blinking of eyes
• Use screen protectors/ matte films to reduce reflections
• Adjust screen brightness so that it is comfortable watching and there is no glare 
• Open space activities/ physical training – This can be done along with parents as well
• Keep screen-free zones/time – such as dinner table / Bedtime – So that no gadgets are allowed during that time.

Don’t

• Sit directly in front of AC / fan – as eyes gets dried up quickly 
• Watching screen in dim light / very bright light (sunlight)
• Increase the parental screen time – Kids mostly imitate their parents

For Teachers

• Limit online class timings
• Allow frequent short breaks every 20 min (ask children to look away from screen /out of the windows for 20 seconds)
• Advocate sitting at a distance to the screen
• Avoid digital modes of homework
• Promote book reading than watching videos