children''s use of smart devices
Today, it has become inevitable for children to use personal electronic devices such as "mobile phones, iPads and other smart devices", whether in schools or indoors, in addition to noting that these devices are left for long periods in the hands of children to play electronic games on it, and we notice the widespread use of mothers and parents of these devices To silence children and occupy them so that adults can accomplish their work, all this has led to an increase in the number of children who suffer from myopia problems at an early age.
In light of the high rates and rates of short-sightedness, dehydration, and other problems in children caused by electronic devices, it was important to know the causes of myopia and to obtain the necessary advice to protect children''s eyes.
Wassim bin Abdulaziz Alem, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, says that he sees through his observations that the children''s use of smart devices for long periods constitutes harm to their eyes and minds in addition to the effect of long use of devices on the behavior and activity of children, and what is important is that it is considered a factor Helping in the child''s short-sightedness and other problems.
Dr. Wasim Alem advised legalizing the use of smart devices among children by banning their use for children under five years of age, according to the advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
He explained that focusing the child on his gaze to see distant things is beneficial to him and makes him less prone to short-sightedness, and that instead of getting used to looking all the time in a device between his hands that is no more than 60 cm away from his gaze !!!!
Parents are also advised to take care of occupying the child''s time by performing other activities such as exercising and making use of the open air to play various games and swimming, which are all beneficial activities for children and significantly reduce the incidence of myopia and other health problems.
