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Children’s Vision

Information for Parents & Professionals 

Recommendations 

Scientific evidence strongly recommends that childrens’ use of computer screens, mobile phones, tablets and other devices should be limited. Excessive computer and screen use had been shown to be associated with a greater risk of developing shortsightedness as well as increased symptoms of eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain, due to our eyes focusing and aiming close-up for very long periods. 
 
Reading from electronic devices requires more effort and is more fatiguing than from hard copy such as books. The Australiasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) recommends the following guidelines for children using near vision screen equipment. 

AGE EXPOSURE COMMENTS 
 
0 – 2 Years 		 
None 		 
None, with the possible exception of live video-chatting (e.g., Skype, Facetime) with parental support, due to its potential for social development. 
 
2 – 5 Years 		 
1 hour per day or less 		 
Programming should be age-appropriate, educational, high-quality, and co-viewed, and should be discussed with the child to provide context and help them apply what they are seeing to their 3-dimensional real-world environment. Excessive screen time before the age of 5 may cause delays in development, cognitive delays and poorer academic performance. 
 
5 – 18 Years 		 
2 hours per day or less of recreational 		 Ideally recreational screen time should be limited. Individual screen time plans of children between the ages of 5-18 years should be considered based on their development, education requirements and needs.  
 

Screen Time Tips 

Australian college of Behavioural Optometrists recommends the following guidelines to help prevent vision and other problems from excessive screen use: 

Encourage moderation in near vision screen time. Studies show that children, who spend more than 2 hours a day on screens, and less than 1.5 hours outdoors, are more likely to become shortsighted. Consider reducing your own screen time as an example to your children. 

Ensure Good Posture. Your child’s posture and working distance are so important as they grow, and device should be no closer than the distance to your elbow. Never read lying on your stomach, as the viewing distance will be much closer. Excessive, extremely close smartphone use can cause severe eye coordination problems. 

Change Focus. When reading an electronic document or book, encourage your children to look up and away as they turn the page.  

Take a Break. When using screens, have a short break at least every hour. 

Consider Lighting. Avoid using computer, phones or tablets outside or in brightly lit areas, as the lighting and glare differences can create strain. 

Take Care in Cars. Limit the use of computers, phones or tablets while traveling in a car – use the opportunity to look far, play games and enjoy your surroundings. 

Not Too Bright.  Adjust the brightness of the device your child is using for the light and circumstances. 

Use a Clock or Timer. Remind them to take a break. We recommend looking away every 20 minutes of continuous near focusing, and a physical break every hour for children under the age of 9 years of age. 

Distract. Create a distraction that causes your child to look up every now and then. Interrupt them with (healthy) snacks occasionally. 

Stop screen use for an hour before bed time. Studies show that screen use just before bed can increase the risk of a child failing to fall asleep and staying asleep.  

Screen Time and Myopia (Short-sightedness): Evidence shows that: 

Screen Time and Eye Development: Evidence suggests that: