These days, it’s not just adults glued to screens. Whether it’s online learning, gaming, or their favourite shows, children are spending more time than ever looking at digital devices — and while some screen time is unavoidable (and even educational!), it’s important to know how it might affect their eyes.

Why screen time matters

Children’s eyes are still developing, which means they’re more sensitive to strain. Staring at screens for long periods can lead to a range of symptoms known as digital eye strain, including:

	Tired or sore eyes
	Frequent blinking or eye rubbing
	Headaches
	Difficulty focusing
	Watery or dry eyes

You might hear them say things like “my eyes feel funny” or “things look blurry” - these are gentle signs their eyes may need a little support.

What’s really happening?

When we look at screens, we tend to blink less — and kids are no different. In fact, studies show that we may blink up to 50% less when using digital devices, which can cause dryness, fatigue, and discomfort [source].

Blue light from screens may also disrupt their sleep, especially if they’re using devices close to bedtime. And holding screens too close for too long can impact their focusing muscles, making it harder to adjust between near and far vision.

Tips to help protect young eyes

The good news? A few small habits can make a big difference:

✔ Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, encourage them to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds — it gives their eyes a much-needed rest.

✔ Create screen-free zones
Meal times, bedrooms, and outdoor play are great opportunities for breaks.

✔ Encourage natural light
Time outdoors is not only good for their general health — it’s been shown to support eye development too.

✔ Adjust device settings
Lower brightness, enlarge text, and consider using ‘night mode’ or blue light filters where possible.

Regular eye tests matter

Sometimes the effects of screen time can be subtle — and children won’t always tell you when something feels off. That’s where a regular eye test comes in. It’s a gentle, reassuring way to check their vision and catch any issues early, before they become a bigger problem.