Advice Column (#1): Managing Screen time

 “Mercy Advice Column: Managing Screen Time” 

By: Maria Shelley '24

Between online learning, entertainment, and connecting with friends through social media I feel like I am constantly staring at a screen. How can I manage my screen time so I do not feel guilty about it? - Screen Time Situation 

Dear Screen Time Situation, 

I totally get where you are coming from with the feeling of guilt about being on a screen all the time. As students we are asked to attend zoom meetings for the majority of our day in addition to taking notes online, studying online, and reading e text-books. During the pandemic, we have used social media as one of the few ways to connect with friends and the outside world, not to mention, binging Netflix which adds to the ever-growing amount of screen time. Now starting a new school year in distance learning we need to know how to manage our screen time, so I have a few helpful tips for you. 

Purchase Some Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses

Digital eye strain can be one of the most significant down sides to spending long amounts of time on screens, so purchasing a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses may be a good idea to reduce the effects of digital eye strain. Blue-light-blocking glasses help to reduce exposure to potentially harmful blue light from your devices and can limit symptoms of digital eye strain such as dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. Blue-light-blocking glasses are conveniently found on Amazon.

Remember the 20-20-20 Rule 

When looking at a screen for prolonged periods of time, the number of times you blink decreases to almost half the amount when not looking at a screen. This can lead to irritated eyes, another disadvantage to looking at a screen all day. 

The 20-20-20 rule is that for every 20 minutes of being on a screen, look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. It is a great way to have your eyes take a break, also reducing the effects of digital eye strain. 

Don’t Forget to Take Breaks 

Throughout the day it is important to take a step away from your screen to give your eyes and brain a rest. Eating lunch in front of a screen for example may be more convenient, but instead use your lunch time to read a book or even just look outside. Throughout the day remember to get up and walk around, even if it is just to get some water or a snack. Practicing some simple stretches is also a good way to take a break from the screen. 

Set Boundaries 

During distance learning it can be hard to set boundaries between our school and home life. Make sure that you are setting limits for the time that you spend on school work and time you spend doing other activities. Say between 2:45 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. you take a break from school work to get some fresh air and participate in activities you enjoy doing. Setting these limits will help you feel that you are not spending all day on your screen and holding you accountable for getting some exercise. 

Just remember that we are all doing our best to manage our screen time, so don’t beat yourself up over the number of hours spent on a screen.