New research has revealed that children in London are spending an average of 48 hours a week indoors, with a third of that time glued to screens.

To highlight the danger this can pose to their vision, Specsavers is launching a new awareness drive to highlight the growing issue of childhood myopia, or short-sightedness.
The campaign urges parents and carers to take early steps to protect youngsters, with experts warning that too much screen time and too little natural daylight are key risk factors in the development of the condition.

Myopia currently affects 1 in 3 a children globally – and worryingly, this number is on the rise. According to the new poll of parents of children aged 6 -14, kids in London spend almost two and a half hours a day on smartphones, tablets, or watching TV. While 63% of parents in London wish their children spent more time outdoors, 38% admit their kids simply prefer screens.

Many parents in London simply don’t realise the impact this can have on their child’s eye health. While 77% fear screen time may be damaging their children’s eyesight, only 70% know what signs to look out for, such as squinting, headaches, or sitting too close to screens.

“Children’s eyes are still developing, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of extended screen use,” explains Specsavers Optometrist, Dr Nigel Best. “The good news is that early action really can make a difference. Regular eye tests are vital in spotting the signs of myopia early and can help slow its progression.”

While passive screen time dominates children’s indoor habits in London, with TV (58%) and gaming (57%) topping the list, more traditional activities are in decline. Just 24% do arts and crafts, though interestingly, 40% of London children read books/comics regularly, which is nearly 10% higher than national average.

And, while spending more time outside has been shown to support healthy eye development, many children are not getting enough daylight as part of their daily routine.
Worryingly, almost 1 in 3 parents in London said their child has suffered headaches from using screens, while 26% have seen their kids rubbing their eyes. Other signs reported include eye strain (22%), sore eyes (15%), and difficulty seeing the board at school (14%).

“Our optometrists see first-hand the impact prolonged screen use is having on children’s eye health,” Dr Best warns. “We’re encouraging parents to look out for early signs of myopia and to prioritise time outdoors, which has been shown to help protect children’s vision.”

The study also reveals that 45% of parents in London feel their child is spending too much time on devices, with 45% concerned their child may even be addicted. Over a third of families in London are now actively planning more outdoor time and introducing tech limits to create a healthier balance.

As part of Specsavers’ campaign to raise awareness of childhood myopia, and the benefits of spending time outdoors in the hope of reducing the risk of developing the condition, a giant outdoor snakes and ladders installation appeared on London’s South Bank on Wednesday 16 April. The interactive game encouraged families to uncover children’s myopia myths and facts.

“We want to empower families with knowledge and encourage them to take that first step by booking a free eye test,” adds Dr Best. “One key tip to remember is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. With myopia cases rising, early diagnosis has never been more important.”
To learn more about myopia and book an appointment at your nearest Specsavers, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/myopia.