Health experts have raised concerns about the dangers of children spending long hours on screen, citing links to adverse health outcomes, including eye-related problems such as blurred vision and myopia.
Physicians, including pediatric ophthalmologists and pediatricians, warned that children’s eyes, which are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive screen use.
The experts highlighted the growing prevalence of myopia among children, particularly in countries where screen time is extensive. Myopia, or nearsightedness, can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, headaches, eye strain, and squinting.
If left unaddressed, myopia can progress rapidly and lead to more severe eye problems, including retinal detachment and glaucoma. Prolonged screen use has also been linked to “computer vision syndrome,” which causes eye strain, dry eyes, and blurred vision.
The physicians also warned of the broader impacts on mental health, with excessive screen time contributing to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among children.
A Consultant Pediatrician, Prof. John Okeniyi, warned that excessive screen time poses serious health risks to children, including delays in cognitive and motor development, obesity, vision problems, and mental health issues.
Okeniyi emphasized that prolonged screen time can significantly impede children’s development, citing a study that revealed that the more time children spend in front of screens, the worse they perform in key developmental areas.
The professor also warned that increased screen time is contributing to a rise in obesity among children, as the sedentary behavior associated with prolonged screen use often combines with unhealthy eating habits.
Prof. Okeniyi advised parents to set clear limits on screen time, encourage physical activity and outdoor play, and ensure that children’s screen time is spent on educational, age-appropriate content.
A pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Sarat Badmus, highlighted the numerous harmful effects of excessive screen time on children’s vision and overall development. She emphasized that children’s eyes are still developing and require natural environmental stimulation to grow properly.
Dr. Badmus advised parents to follow the World Health Organization’s recommendations on screen time, which include no screen time for infants under one year and limited screen time for children between the ages of two and four.
The physician also emphasized the importance of regular eye exams for detecting early signs of myopia or other visual issues that may not be immediately apparent to parents.
