Breaks from screens aside, there are also healthier ways to interact with screens themselves. For example, a major red flag for Patel is seeing kids looking at a laptop or other device closer to where they would hold a book.
The AAO generally recommends keeping devices at arm's length, approximately 18 to 24 inches from where the child is sitting, and Edmonds advises a 30-inch minimum distance. The academy's guidelines also suggest the use of a stand-alone monitor or that devices be raised up from the desk to eye level – essential for ergonomic support of the neck and back. "Put the computer on books to lift it a few inches up," Patel said.
She also suggested adjusting settings on devices to change the brightness and contrast levels.
"We've all experienced how it's harder to look at our computer screen in light situations, when we're sitting outside, that there's a glare," she said. "Keeping the screen less bright and paying attention to ambient lighting is important so that they don't have the light source shining bright on their computer. As long as they can see it comfortably . . . we're not trying to make it impossible to see, but it varies throughout the day and they should be able to adjust it all the time as needed. So show your child as they start virtual school, like, 'Hey, this is how we adjust it.'"
Image Source: Getty / PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou