Distance learning: More screen time? Do not panic

With the pandemic, screens have never taken up so much space in our lives (children and adults). And with online education continuing in several regions, is that a concern? Obviously, we don't really have a choice, and that's why we have to be doubly careful to plan time “outside the virtual”.

In some ways, many parents may have been more permissive. This does not mean that there should no longer be any rules or supervision. Children still need clear markers. If the screen time must be longer than usual, it may be necessary to regulate the uses made of it more (learning time vs. time to play or socialize).

In addition, some good advice remains valid:

• Plan a time without a screen before going to bed;
• Never watch television in complete darkness;
• Learn to rest your eyes for at least fifteen minutes after viewing for two hours;
• Pay attention to the distance between your child and the screen, if he is really close, he probably needs glasses.

And then, as the scientific community is concerned about the effects of blue light from screens on the retina of the eye in the long term, it is all the more important to allow time for activities without a screen and, above all, for going out. outside.

Download the special issue of the École branchée magazine for free, Well-being, a lever for learning ... even at a distance for other articles related to distance education.