Kids & screens: how much is too much?

Screen time isn't the villain it's sometimes made out to be — but a few real signs are worth watching for.

What's actually normal

Kids blink less and sit closer to screens than adults do. Some eye fatigue after a long session is common and not usually a sign of a problem on its own.

What's worth a check

Frequent headaches after screen time, sitting unusually close to the TV, squinting to read the whiteboard, or rubbing the eyes a lot — these are worth a real eye test, not just a shorter screen-time rule.

What actually helps

The 20-20-20 habit (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), good lighting, and a proper eye test every year for school-age kids — that last one matters more than any app or filter.

If your child is showing any of the signs above, book a free eye test rather than guessing.