We are indeed passing through challenging times. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, our children are confined to their homes for longer periods of time. As a result, they are becoming introvert, lazy, and depressed.
The time has come to think about how we can overcome this situation for the betterment of our children.
The Wow Effect
The home-based learning system is a new concept for many countries. It is right that in this system you can watch whether your children are concentrating or not at the time of online classes, and can guide them accordingly.
Since the children are majorly staying at home, this is also a great opportunity to explore what kind of co-curricular activities they like. You also get more time to bond with kids.
The Hard Reality and Statistics
The mental and ocular health status of children is deteriorating as they are unable to interact and play with their peers. As a result, they are turning more and more to digital gadgets, not only for learning but also for recreation.
It has been found that Singapore has the highest myopia rate amongst all countries. 65% of children affected with myopia are below 12 years of age.
Research regarding “Myopia in Singapore: taking a public health approach,” has revealed that
- 15% of preschool children have myopia.
- 20% of children are myopic at the starting of their primary school, at the age of 7 years.
The number is 70% for those who have just completed their college education. Not only myopia, but dry eye also has an important role in the deterioration of eye health. Due to this condition, the child’s eyes become fatigued, which leads to increased refractive power and headache. If this becomes chronic, your child may develop computer vision syndrome.
The Balancing Approach
The situation is really alarming. At this time you can’t send your kids to play outdoors, which has a great role to control myopia.
So, what’s the next step?
Several special types of contact and spectacle lenses are found to restrict myopia. Also, teach your kid to follow the 20-20-20 rule for eye relaxation. You have to handle your kid in a very delicate manner to overcome his frustration and agony. Let’s continue adapting to the home-based learning system in a healthy manner till the corona virus outbreak subsides.
