Ever since schools closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, institutions have found remote learning as the possible solution. E-learning has many advantages no doubt, the biggest one being that students are not missing out on education due to on and off lockdown situations. However, it has significantly increased screen time, especially among young children. 

Too much interaction with mobile phones and laptop screens brings some potential health risks that can affect the health and growth of young students significantly. This article talks about potential health risks that students face due to increased screen timings and also provides possible solutions to prevent adverse effects. 

Possible Health Risks Of E-learning

Some of the possible health risks that young students might face are discussed below.

Mental Health Risks

The mental health of small children can be severely affected with increased screen time. Since overuse of digital technology can affect sleep patterns, students struggle to keep up with assignments, learning outcomes, and get a well-rested sleep. Resultantly, their mental health is affected. 

A digital-oriented attitude has greatly affected relationships as students stay on screen all day. First, to take classes and complete assignments, then for extra-curricular activities like exploring social media. Children do not find time to physically talk to other human beings, like parents or siblings. Therefore, they end up feeling anxious, restless, and irritated most of the time.

Physical Health Risks

E-learning can affect the physical health of students to a great extent. First of all, since the eyes are constantly focused on brightly lit screens, they are always tired and restless. Blue light emitted through laptop and mobile phone screens are highly dangerous for the eyes.

Secondly, since students stay in one place all day, their physical activity is significantly reduced, leading to obesity, reduced motor function, and other such health issues. 

Ways To Mitigate Health Risks

Here are some suggestions that parents can follow to minimise the health risks associated with the overuse of digital devices in young children. 

Use Protective Glasses

Studies have shown that when blue light rays with a wavelength of 415 nm-455 nm, can hit the retina and have a detrimental effect on vision. Invest in good quality anti glare screens and blue light glasses for your children to help protect their eyes from these harmful effects of blue light. These glasses can filter out harmful blue light that is associated with headaches, weakened eyesight, and disturbed sleep patterns. When shopping at SmartBuyGlasses, the zFORT® blue light coating can be added to any pair of designer eyeglasses 8

Reduce Screen Time

Parents should try to reduce the time their children spend on screen. Taking classes is a compulsion, but you can always reduce the time children spend on using social media and other non-educational purposes. By doing so, you can make sure your children are not exposed to potential risks throughout the day.

Incorporate Physical Activities

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, social gatherings have become rare. You can not take your children out in the park, but make sure they are involved in some kind of healthy physical activity indoors. For example, you can arrange a dance party just for your family every weekend. This not only helps increase family bonding but also makes sure your kids move those joints in a fun way.