The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Screen Time

Increased Screen Time Among Children and Adolescents

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered daily routines, with a significant rise in screen time being particularly evident among children and adolescents. This shift is largely attributed to the widespread adoption of remote learning. A study published in the Journal of School Health reviewed various research findings from the pandemic, revealing that children and adolescents are now spending more time on screens compared to the period before the pandemic.

Global Trends in Screen Time

Research has shown a notable increase in screen usage worldwide. For instance, children in Germany are spending about one additional hour daily on screens compared to pre-pandemic levels. In Chile, toddlers and preschoolers are reportedly using screens nearly twice as much, averaging around three hours each day. Similarly, in Tunisia, children aged 5 to 12 are using screens 111% more frequently. A survey of Canadian parents indicated that 89% reported their children exceed two hours of screen time daily, surpassing health guidelines set in Canada.

Health Concerns Related to Increased Screen Time

Effects on Vision and Physical Health

Experts have raised alarms about the potential health risks associated with prolonged screen time. Vision specialists from Anglia Ruskin University have warned that excessive screen use could threaten eyesight and overall health. Eye strain is a common issue, particularly when children switch between devices, such as using a laptop while watching television. This behavior can increase eye strain by approximately 22%. Other potential eye-related issues include dry eyes and unstable binocular vision, which occurs when both eyes fail to work in unison.

Additionally, increased screen time may contribute to sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity rates among children and adolescents. Musculoskeletal problems, such as shoulder and neck strain, are also concerns associated with prolonged screen usage.

Importance of Regulating Screen Time

Given the shift to online schooling during the pandemic, researchers emphasize the need for monitoring and regulating screen time among children. Professor Shahina Pardhan, the study’s lead author, suggests that schools should optimize digital device usage for educational purposes while encouraging less screen time for other activities. She advocates for collaboration between governments and educational institutions to develop guidelines that promote creative learning activities away from screens and include regular breaks.

While screens have facilitated reduced physical interaction during the pandemic, maintaining such high levels of screen engagement may have adverse long-term health effects for school-aged children. Further research is essential to fully understand the specific health risks associated with increased screen time.

References

Pardhan, S. et al. (2022). Risks of Digital Screen Time and Recommendations for Mitigating Adverse Outcomes in Children and Adolescents. Journal of School Health. Doi: 10.1111/josh.13170.
Forsyth, J. (2022). Children’s health fears due to rise in screen time. EurekAlert! Accessed Mar. 15, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/946136.
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