4 Ways You Can Keep Your Homeschooled Child Healthy During The Digital Age

Many children have resumed attending school in person, but most students still rely
heavily on gadgets. This is especially true for more than three million children
who are homeschooled. Incorporating technology into education has been proven to
have numerous benefits, like the opportunity to access educational resources easily,
having more flexibility when it comes to learning methods and increasing inclusivity
among students.

That said, heavy reliance on gadgets can take a toll on kids’ health, from developing
sedentary lifestyles to excessive blue light exposure. This is why it is important to be
proactive when it comes to keeping your child healthy in the digital age. Below are
some simple ways to do this.

Implement screen breaks

One of the largest concerns regarding the use of EdTech is the amount of screen time
that children are exposed to. This can be detrimental to their health, as it poses a risk
of eyestrain, poor posture, and the development of a sedentary lifestyle. As such, it’s important to encourage taking breaks from gadgets, which allows children to rest their
eyes and stretch their muscles. It also contributes to improved focus, engagement, and
cognitive functioning during learning sessions.

Some strategies for implementing screen breaks include incorporating exercise into
their daily routine. This not only adds physical movement but also helps refresh the
mind, allowing for better concentration when they return to learning. Another way
would be encouraging your child to pursue offline activities such as reading, drawing,
or other types of play. This stimulates creativity even without the use of any gadgets.

Provide blue light protection

Online learning requires children to spend prolonged periods of time in front of
screens, leading to a risk of digital eye strain due to excessive blue light exposure.
Over time, this can impact their energy and concentration.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect your child from this harmful light. One such
way is blue light screen filters for devices. Brands like Ocushield specialize in
developing blue-light-blocking screen protectors for screens of all sizes. These reduce
the intensity and amount of blue light emitted. Eyeglasses with built-in blue-violet
light filters have also been developed and are available as prescription and non-prescription glasses. These blue-light glasses reduce exposure to blue-violet light from
all sources, including screens, fluorescent lights, and even the sun. Reputable brands
like Ray-Ban carry a countless number of frames that include these filters, which can
suit even young wearers. By reducing eye strain, headaches, and fatigue caused by
overexposure to blue light, children can stay healthy and protected while remaining
focused for longer periods of time.

Supply healthy snacks

The brain requires a constant supply of nutrients to function optimally, and this
becomes even more crucial during online learning. A well-nourished brain is better
equipped to concentrate, process information, and retain knowledge. By supplying
children with snacks rich in essential nutrients, you can help enhance your child’s
cognitive abilities, memory retention, and overall academic performance.

Unhealthy snacks, such as sugary treats or processed food, may cause energy spikes
and subsequent crashes, interrupting a child’s ability to concentrate effectively.
Conversely, healthy snacks provide a consistent source of energy, ensuring a sustained
level of focus throughout the duration of online learning. Furthermore, this can instill
positive eating habits that children will likely carry as they grow older, contributing to
their long-term well-being.

Ensure regular sleeping patterns

Sleep is significant to a child’s development, as it aids in cognitive functioning,
memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. When children do not get enough
sleep or experience irregular sleep patterns, they may struggle with attention span
problems and overall academic performance. By establishing a good sleep routine,
you can optimize your child’s cognitive development, enhancing their learning
experience while ensuring they stay healthy.

One effective strategy to ensure regular sleeping patterns is establishing a nightly
routine. Creating a calming environment and engaging in relaxing activities before
bed can help signal to the child’s mind and body that it is time to wind down. It also
encourages them to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, reinforcing their
natural circadian rhythm. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is
crucial for regulating your child’s physiological processes and supporting their overall
health.

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