What to do when online classes affect your child’s health

There was a time when my wife, who loves our son too much like every mother does, wanted to open up a school at home for our child. That dream turned true after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. But, the pandemic has adversely affected almost every sphere of our lives, including education. Children today are being taught their curriculum online. 

But, is it good for the child? The answer is no it is not

In fact, studying from home has forced every child to miss school, which is still he most crucial part of their lives, . Teachers teaching in a classroom full of kids is a thing of the past. Every child is stuck with the new reality of ‘online classes.’ However, children’s physical and mental health are suffering as their screen usage increases.

Excessive screen time, according to Dr. Sudha. B, Senior Consultant Neonatologist Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, might cause the following difficulties in your child: Dry eyes as a result of digital eye strain; Headache; Neck ache; Disruptions in sleep; A shorter attention span; Behavioral changes such as impatience, refusals, and excessive arguing; and Impaired socialisation abilities. 

Kerala State Education Minister V. Sivankutty also addressed the state Assembly on Monday that online lessons are harming schoolchildren’s health.

Sivankutty stated, citing the findings of a survey conducted by the State Council of Education Research and Training, that 36% of students experience headaches and neck pain, while 28% have eye trouble. He went on to say that parents should be made aware of the dangers of using digital devices.

Dr. Sudha suggested a couple of tips for parents to help children cope up with screen time stress.

Don’t let screens disrupt your children’s sleep: When youngsters use devices close to bedtime, blue light can disrupt sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. Turn off and remove screens from bedrooms at least one hour before bedtime.

Never overlook digital eye strain: Digital eye strain symptoms include dry eyes, itching, and a burning sensation in the eyes. Severe eye strain can result in headaches as well as refractive problems such as myopia and astigmatism. When you give your eyes a break, they will improve. Allow your youngster to follow the 20-20-20 rule, which allows his or her eyes to rest intermittently:Make it a point for your child to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and stare at something 20 feet away.

Control the changes in behaviour: Children are becoming irritable as a result of excessive screen time and less interaction with family and friends. Poor attention span, not listening when talked to, constant fighting, and throwing age-inappropriate tantrums are just a few of the signs. To avoid this, parents should engage in fascinating and beneficial interactions with their children that spark their curiosity. Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics, music, and art.

Handling screen time – Don’t ever use screens as pacifiers, to avoid tantrums of the child. Begin digital disciplining for the entire family with a tiny step, such as not eating while staring at phones or televisions. Weekend noneducational screen time should be limited. Attempt to have screen-free weekends. Technology isn’t without its benefits, but every parent should learn the art of digital disciplining.