Studies have shown that constant surveillance and data collection can have adverse effects on mental health, particularly for children. This can include increased anxiety and stress levels, as well as a feeling of being constantly monitored. Encouraging your child to take breaks from technology and fostering open communication about their online experiences can help prevent these negative effects.
These days, children have many reasons to be glued to the screen. Aside from doing their homework on computers, they also get video games, movies, shows, and social media through digital devices. But although digital screens and media access come with a wealth of information to learn more about the world, they are also very damaging for your kids' eyes.
Unfortunately, statistics show that since 2020, children's average screen use has increased 1.5 times, from 162 minutes to 246 minutes daily. That's why it's essential to keep a close watch on your kids' eye health. Here's what you need to know about how digital screens affect their eyes—and how you can help.
Since more kids now use digital devices, many studies have been conducted about their impacts on vision and eye health. So far, researchers have found that children exposed to digital screens before age three are more likely to develop myopia, also known as near-sightedness. Moreover, kids using screens for over three hours a day were four times more likely to have myopia than those who spend only an hour daily. Meanwhile, children who use gadgets heavily are more likely to develop dry eyes. This potentially long-term condition can cause blurry vision and discomfort. It can also lead to digital eye strain, which can cause your kids to experience headaches and itchy or sore eyes. These complications can carry into adulthood and pose difficulties as your kids pursue higher education and their professional lives.
One of the best ways to protect your kids' eyes is by reducing their screen time and instead encouraging unplugged activities that don't involve digital devices. They'll be more motivated if their parents are involved, so try activities like baking, scavenger hunts, board games, or building a fort. If your kids are older, they may be more interested in exploring the outdoors or learning a new sport, instrument, or craft. Find something that interests them to avoid prolonged use of digital screens.
Booking regular eye exams for your kids allows for the early detection, treatment, or prevention of any eye problems or irregularities, especially those caused by the prolonged use of digital screens. Ensure your doctor performs a comprehensive assessment testing their visual acuity, depth perception, movement, and alignment. Ask them if there are any conditions your child is developing or is likely to in the future—and how you can prevent it. Finally, request prescription glasses if your children require vision correction. That way, their vision won't worsen over time, and they won't experience the headaches that come with eye strain. You can opt for comfortable, waterproof, and durable frames to better accommodate your kids' outdoor activities so they can unplug more frequently. With professional aid, you can take the necessary precautions to keep their vision healthy.
Devices emit blue light, which can mess with sleep patterns and heighten irritation, sensitivity, and dryness in the eyes. So even if your kids don't have ongoing eye complications, it's better to prevent them from developing in the first place with blue light glasses. These have a lens coating that filters blue light from digital devices, so your children will be better protected when they do use gadgets. Ask them to wear these glasses during their allotted screen time—especially at night or when venturing outdoors, as blue light can disrupt sleep patterns and also comes from the sun. In this way, you can protect their vision despite unpreventable blue light exposure.
Digital devices can have incredible benefits for things like learning and entertainment. However, they can also negatively impact your kids' eyes. With these precautions, you can help your kids enjoy prolonged eye health to help them better get through life.
In today's digital age, it's easy for kids to get lost in screens and forget about the joys of playing with physical toys and engaging in interactive activities. While technology can be a great tool for learning and entertainment, it's important for kids to also develop skills and engage in play without screens. Here are 10 ideas for engaging activities that your kids will love and that don't involve screens:
Encourage your child's creativity by providing them with a set of building blocks. Whether it's wooden blocks, Legos, or magnetic tiles, building blocks can provide hours of imaginative play and help develop fine motor skills.
Set up a scavenger hunt for your child in your backyard or in the park. Make a list of items for them to find, such as a leaf, a rock, or a flower. This activity encourages your child to explore the outdoors and can help develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Spend some quality time with your child by baking a batch of cookies or muffins together. This activity teaches valuable life skills such as measuring and following directions, while also providing a fun bonding experience. Helpful tip: use the Timer on your TickTalk smartwatch to count down the time until your yummy concoction is ready!
Board games can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. Choose games that are age-appropriate for your child and that can help develop social skills such as turn-taking and communication.
Set up a tea party for your child and their friends, complete with snacks and decorations. This activity encourages imagination and creativity, while also developing social skills such as sharing and taking turns.
Provide your child with blankets, pillows, and chairs to create their own fort. This activity encourages creativity and imagination, while also providing a cozy hideaway for your child to relax and read a book.
Take your child on a nature walk to explore the outdoors. Bring along a notebook and encourage them to draw and write about what they see. This activity encourages curiosity and exploration, while also providing a healthy dose of exercise. An after-lunch hike is also a great way to hit their daily step goal you’ve set on your TickTalk smartwatch!
Mix together flour, salt, water, and food coloring to make your own homemade playdough. This activity helps develop fine motor skills and encourages creativity and imagination.
Help your child create their own puppet show by making puppets out of socks, paper bags, or popsicle sticks. This activity encourages creativity, imagination, and storytelling.
Teach your child a new skill, such as knitting, sewing, or painting. This activity encourages lifelong learning and helps develop patience and perseverance. Set a Reminder through the TickTalk App to create a routine of practicing your newfound skill together!
Ticktalk App For Apple iPhoneAs the back-to-school season approaches, parents are on the lookout for innovative tools that can enhance their child's learning experience, all while keeping them safe. In this digital age, kids' smartwatches have emerged as an invaluable tool for parents, offering a range of features that make them a must-have accessory for back to school season. Here’s why a kids smartwatch may be the solution your family needs this school year:
One of the primary concerns for us parents is the safety and security of our children, especially when they’re away at school. Kids' smartwatches come equipped with GPS tracking capabilities, allowing us to keep an eye on our child's whereabouts in real-time. This feature provides peace of mind, enabling us to ensure our children's safety and respond quickly in case of emergencies.
Kids smartwatches often include built-in calling and messaging features, allowing us to stay connected with our children throughout the school day. We can easily reach our children in case of schedule changes, pick-up arrangements, or any other important items that need quick and easy communication. This connectivity fosters a sense of security and enables efficient and effective communication between us and our children.
In an era where physical activity is more crucial than ever, kids' smartwatches often include activity tracking features. These watches can monitor your child's steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns, encouraging them to stay active and adopt a healthier lifestyle. By promoting exercise and proper rest, kids smartwatches contribute to improved overall well-being and academic performance.
Smartwatches for kids can assist children in developing effective time management skills. They provide the convenience of setting reminders for important tasks, assignments, and extracurricular activities. By helping children stay organized, kids' smartwatches teach valuable lessons in responsibility, punctuality, and prioritization, thus promoting academic success.
Kids' smartwatches offer our children independence and responsibility. They can develop decision-making skills within safe boundaries while learning to manage their own schedules and activities. Smartwatches serve as a gentle introduction to the digital world and, along with our help, teach children the importance of using technology responsibly.
In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, kids' smartwatches have become an essential tool for families preparing their children for school. With features like Location Tracking, Messaging, Activity Trackers and more, smartwatches for kids offer a wide array of benefits that support our children's well-being, academic growth, and independence. As you gear up for the upcoming school year, consider investing in a kids' smartwatch to equip your child with a powerful tool that enhances their educational journey while providing you with the peace of mind you need.
In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, kids' smartwatches have become an essential tool for families preparing their children for school. With features like Location Tracking, Messaging, Activity Trackers and more, smartwatches for kids offer a wide array of benefits that support our children's well-being, academic growth, and independence. As you gear up for the upcoming school year, consider investing in a kids' smartwatch to equip your child with a powerful tool that enhances their educational journey while providing you with the peace of mind you need.
It can be challenging to manage your child's screen time when we’re surrounded by technology. As parents, it's our responsibility to ensure that our children develop healthy habits around technology. Creating a screen time schedule can help you and your child strike a balance between screen time and other important activities. Here are 5 easy steps to create a screen time schedule for your child:
Before creating a schedule, it's important to understand your child's current screen time habits. This includes both the amount of time spent on screens and the types of activities they engage in. Once you have a clear picture, you can set appropriate limits and goals for your child.
Communicate the rules and guidelines for screen time to your child. Be clear about what activities are allowed and what isn't. Ensure that your child understands the consequences of not following the rules.
Involve your child in the creation of the screen time schedule. Discuss their preferences and activities they would like to do outside of screen time. This can help them feel more invested and motivated to stick to the schedule.
To ensure that your child adheres to the screen time schedule, use a timer or set Do Not Disturb times on their TickTalk smartwatch to help them focus. By setting clear boundaries and timelines, you can help your child develop a sense of time and responsibility.
It's important to be flexible and adjust the screen time schedule as needed. Monitor your child's behavior and adapt the schedule to suit their needs. Remember that a screen time schedule is meant to be a guide, not a strict set of rules.
By following these 5 easy steps, you can create a screen time schedule that works for your child and your family. Building healthy habits around technology is essential for your child's overall well-being and development, and a screen time schedule is a great place to start.
Looking for a way to stay connected to your child without having to worry about screen time? TickTalk kid’s smartwatches are a great way to keep your family safely connected without the distractions that come with a smartphone. With no internet, games, or social media, your child gets everything they need, without the temptation of being glued to a screen.
As summer comes to a close, it's time to start thinking about back-to-school season. This year, we’re focused on making a difference in the lives of students and teachers. Throughout the month of August, we’ll be donating a portion of all proceeds to AdoptAClassroom, a non-profit organization that provides resources and support to teachers and their classrooms.