Introduction to Topic
Exposure to screen time is a norm in modern society. Whether it is the work necessity, education, or entertainment, people spend a lot of time behind computers, TV, and other screens. In a similar manner to adults, children are also exposed to computers. However, the danger to children may be greater due to the weaknesses of their growing organism. Understanding the risks of excessive screen time is essential in ascertaining its effects on children.
Background Information
Screen time refers to the amount of time that a user spends while utilizing a gadget. Most modern digital devices have screens, which means that screen time is cumulative. Screens are specific sources of information since they can damage eyesight. It should be noted that almost any reading activity takes its toll on the eyes. Nevertheless, smartphone screens are much smaller in comparison to books. People who read books on smartphones make far less eye movement than readers of paper books. This leads to their eye muscles becoming stiff and tiring quickly. Furthermore, the eyes have to adapt to the brightness of the screen.
There are several reasons why screen time is especially perilous for children. First, childhood years are a period of habit-forming, to which children are vulnerable. The habits formed during these years will likely continue to adult life. In this case, children will likely continue the habit of overusing computers and smartphones. The second problem is the easily damaged eyesight, which may be the cause of serious eye diseases in later life. Finally, children are more tempted to use gadgets for entertainment and games rather than for education. Combined, these factors constitute the danger of screen time to children.
Problem
The problem under focus is that extensive screen time harms children’s health and adversely affects their education. At the same time, it is possible to use the potential of gadgets and computers to help children learn and be cautious about their health. Not only will resolving this problem improve children’s learning endeavors, but it will also motivate them to adopt a proper long-term healthy mindset concerning gadgets.
Proposal
The solution to the problem of children’s excessive exposure to screens is a conscious limitation. While parent could directly prohibit their offspring from the inappropriate use of computers, it will likely propel children to use them more often. Instead, the consequences of prolonged screen time should be made clear. As children are inherently emotional, they will perceive the dangers appropriately, provided they fully understand the risk. Therefore, the goal is to motivate children to limit screen time on their own.
Research Questions
To ascertain the fullness of the repercussions of extensive screen time for children, three research questions will be raised.
- How much screen time is harmful to the eyes?
- What are the physical signs of excessive time spent using a gadget?
- How should the prolonged screen time be structured to minimize the harmful impact?
Hopefully, the reader will be able to answer these questions after reading the essay.
- How can a user give rest to their eyes during screen exposure?
- How often should the breaks and stretching routines be?
- What is the most effective use of gadgets for children?
Sources
To finish this assignment, scholarly articles delving into the physiology of eyes during screen exposure will be used. In particular, “Digital Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom?” by Wong et al. is a recent study on the possible increase in eye problems due to quarantine measures. Another article by Wang et al. “Mitigate the Effects of Home Confinement on Children during the COVID-19 Outbreak” describes the recommendations for the proper structure of screen time.
Works Cited
Wang, Guanghai, et al. “Mitigate the Effects of Home Confinement on Children during the COVID-19 Outbreak.” The Lancet, vol. 395, no. 10228, 2020, pp. 945-947.
Wong, Chee Wai, et al. “Digital Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom?.” American Journal of Ophthalmology, vol. 223, 2021, pp. 333-337.