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US Teens spend nearly 6 years looking at digital devices by age 17
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By the age of 17 years, the average teen in the United States will have spent nearly 6 years looking at digital devices, including tablets, smartphones, laptops and televisions, according to a new survey.
In a report released by eye care company VSP Vision Care, the not-for-profit also stated that 58% of parents have “little to no awareness of blue light,” which refers to the high-energy light emitted from such devices, as well as CFL and LED lighting.
“This has led to an alarming increase in reports of digital eye strain, especially amongst children who are experiencing tired, sore eyes, headaches and trouble focusing,” the company stated in a report released this month. “As blue light enters the eye, it causes visual strain because it is defocused in front of the retina and scatters, creating an effect that is visually perceived as glare. The eyes are then forced to work overtime to focus and process the wavelengths of light.”
According to VSP Vision Care, which surveyed more than 1,000 people across the United States, blue light can suppress melatonin production, which in turn can make it difficult to fall asleep.
The survey also found that two-thirds of parents think their family spends too much time using digital devices, with 44% reported that their children were addicted to them. Parents themselves reported spending about 61 hours per week, or nearly half their waking hours, using digital devices.
In addition, just 13% of parents ranked their family’s vision as a top concern related to the use of digital devices, and 49% currently have or previously had attempted to set time limits on their children’s use of digital devices, but failed to enforce them.
VSP Vision care recommended digital device users give their eyes a break every 20 minutes, and spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away. In addition, users should maintain a comfortable distance from their screens, and children should hold devices as far away from their eyes as is comfortable. Lowering screen brightness, limiting screen time before going to sleep and scheduling an eye exam were also among the company’s recommendations.
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