Screen Time

Students receiving education in a digital environment are going to have more screen time than they have before. It's important to remember that even in this difficult time it is still best to limit recreational or "lean back" screen time to less than two hours per day as much as we can.

For students (and adults) engaging in learning or "lean in" screen time, it's still important to engage in practices that protect their well being such as:

1) Observe the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look away from the screen and find a focal point 20 feet away. Gaze at it for 20 seconds. This allows the eyes to relax and reset after extended near focus work.

2) Consider your screen positioning and what it does to your posture. If looking at a phone or iPad flat on the table, you'll be hunching over and rounding your neck and back. If the screen is a desktop and set up for an adult, it may be too high causing a child to slump with chin jutted out and hyperextending their neck. Aim for a set up that aligns the screen at eye level when the child is seated comfortably.

3) Mix it up! Take a break away from the screen every 30-60 minutes. Get a snack, take a walk, do some work with paper/pencil or a book, do some stretching exercises. Your eyes and muscles will thank you for it!

Created, in part, by: Nancy Porter, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist, Dunn Elementary School