09/18/2024

Kids Corner - Helping Families Understand the Impact of Screen Time on Children 

As optometrists, one area of our expertise involves the impact of screen viewing on vision and ocular health.  It’s likely you find yourself counseling patients about screen use daily.  Two things make this conversation special when it involves kids: vision is developing, and the parent is there.  Here are some tips to guide such conversations in pediatric practice. 

1. Ask open-ended questions 

Discover your patient’s and their parent’s habits and perceptions about screen use before making any suggestions.  Remember that not all screen use is the same.  Playing online games or scrolling social media on a phone or tablet is different than a family movie night around the living room TV. 

2. Be non-judgmental  

No one ever won over a parent or a child through judgement.  Remember every family’s situation is different and one cannot walk in another’s shoes.  Bring empathy to the conversation before making any recommendations. 

3. Personalize examples when possible 

The best recommendations are those you follow yourself and would apply to your own family.  Taking this approach also keeps your recommendations achievable, setting your patient up for success. 

4. Be realistic 

Recognize external limitations such as school work, and respect positive screen use such as videoconferencing with family overseas.  Remember that while screen overuse is harmful, reasonable screen use is okay.  Be sure to recommend the 20-20-20 rule and appropriate screen distance.