bluephinHealthy Computer Viewing for Kids
July 26th 2008 06:36
In the advent of the computer technology, these devices are meant and built for the utilization of adults. However, over time, kids are also exposed to computers. It had aided them in learning and having fun.
Nonetheless, with their extended exposure to computers ours kids are also susceptible to eye discomfort, blurred vision, headaches and eye fatigue. Most of these conditions we wouldn’t have any idea that our kids are having until they get worse and become irreversible. They are more open to eye risks because of the following factors:
Kids are less aware of their risk exposure.
Evidently, kids’ lack of awareness and understanding of the effects of focusing their eyes on the computer screen makes them a perfect target for eye defects. When children are doing something interesting that they put their full concentration on it, they disregard any signs of exhaustion for the sake of continuing what they like doing.
They tend to adapt to the situation.
When adults are using a computer and they notice that the screen gives out an increased amount of glare and don’t feel comfortable anymore, they tend to fix the brightness of the screen until they feel better with how they are seeing the screen. That is one thing kids wouldn’t do if not in proper supervision of adults. When they notice that there is too much glare or there is not enough light for them to see better, their tendency is try and adjust to the situation until they become adapted to it and feels it to be normal.
Computers are designed for use by adults.
The specifications of the computer are made with the use of adults in mind. Therefore, the normal settings of a computer are beyond what is described to be normal for an average kid.
But, no matter how many ill-effects of computer usage there are for our kids, we can’t divert the fact that the use of computers is indeed becoming more and more of a need in their learning process.
Perhaps the only thing that parents can do is to take precautionary measures and limitations for their children’s amount of computer use.
• Constant adult supervision
With adult supervision, they can properly check that the working environment is suitable for a child.
• Regular eye checks
Regular visits to your optometrist for eye checks allows early detection of eye problems and the proper preventative measures can be taken before the situation gets overboard.
• Limit length of use
Children should be given age-based time limits when using the computer. An hour should be more than enough for children 10 years old and below. Additionally, regular breaks should be implemented.
• Ergonomics
Check that the computer is positioned in the height and distance that is suitable for your kids. Adjust the height of the chair so that it is directly in the line of sight of your children. Adjust monitor brightness to suit your child’s vision.
• Provide proper lighting
Make sure that the ambient lighting is almost the same as the glare on the monitor.
Each kid’s needs is different from one another when it comes to comfortable and healthy viewing of the computer. Always make sure that an adult is supervising their use of the computer to minimize the risk of eye defects.
Nonetheless, with their extended exposure to computers ours kids are also susceptible to eye discomfort, blurred vision, headaches and eye fatigue. Most of these conditions we wouldn’t have any idea that our kids are having until they get worse and become irreversible. They are more open to eye risks because of the following factors:
Kids are less aware of their risk exposure.
Evidently, kids’ lack of awareness and understanding of the effects of focusing their eyes on the computer screen makes them a perfect target for eye defects. When children are doing something interesting that they put their full concentration on it, they disregard any signs of exhaustion for the sake of continuing what they like doing.
They tend to adapt to the situation.
When adults are using a computer and they notice that the screen gives out an increased amount of glare and don’t feel comfortable anymore, they tend to fix the brightness of the screen until they feel better with how they are seeing the screen. That is one thing kids wouldn’t do if not in proper supervision of adults. When they notice that there is too much glare or there is not enough light for them to see better, their tendency is try and adjust to the situation until they become adapted to it and feels it to be normal.
Computers are designed for use by adults.
The specifications of the computer are made with the use of adults in mind. Therefore, the normal settings of a computer are beyond what is described to be normal for an average kid.
But, no matter how many ill-effects of computer usage there are for our kids, we can’t divert the fact that the use of computers is indeed becoming more and more of a need in their learning process.
Perhaps the only thing that parents can do is to take precautionary measures and limitations for their children’s amount of computer use.
• Constant adult supervision
With adult supervision, they can properly check that the working environment is suitable for a child.
• Regular eye checks
Regular visits to your optometrist for eye checks allows early detection of eye problems and the proper preventative measures can be taken before the situation gets overboard.
• Limit length of use
Children should be given age-based time limits when using the computer. An hour should be more than enough for children 10 years old and below. Additionally, regular breaks should be implemented.
• Ergonomics
Check that the computer is positioned in the height and distance that is suitable for your kids. Adjust the height of the chair so that it is directly in the line of sight of your children. Adjust monitor brightness to suit your child’s vision.
• Provide proper lighting
Make sure that the ambient lighting is almost the same as the glare on the monitor.
Each kid’s needs is different from one another when it comes to comfortable and healthy viewing of the computer. Always make sure that an adult is supervising their use of the computer to minimize the risk of eye defects.
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Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
Really, it's about intelligence.
Seriously......
~Dianna
Comment by bluephin
Chatter On Children
Persistent Parent
It's true adults are also guilty of this kind of behaviour. The difference is, they are big enough to be responsible for their actions... and kids, well they lack the awareness and if they also lack the supervision of knowing and concerned parents they are likely candidates for early eye conditions.
It's a case of common sense more than anything. Ignorance is never going to be an excuse.
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
*Shrug*
I'm guilty, but lucky so far.
~Dianna