The National Health Commission of China recently released survey results highlighting the prominent prevalence of myopia among young children nationwide. It also reminds the public that improper use of electronic products is one of the leading contributors to high myopia incidence. Children under six years old should avoid using mobile phones and computers as much as possible, and parents ought to limit their own screen time in front of kids.

Survey data shows that the overall myopia rate among Chinese children and adolescents stood at 53.6% in 2018, including 14.5% for six-year-olds, 36% for primary school students, 71.6% for junior high school students and 81% for senior high school students. Myopia prevention and control remains an arduous task.

The 2019 Core Health Education Information on Myopia Prevention and Control for Children and Adolescents, previously issued by the National Health Commission, points out that the period from birth to six years old is a critical stage for visual development, which calls for special attention to the protection of children’s eyesight at an early age.

According to the core information, prolonged close viewing of electronic screens such as mobile phones, computers and televisions is a major cause of myopia. Children under six should avoid using mobile phones and computers to the greatest extent feasible, and parents shall reduce electronic device use when accompanied by their children.

After school enrollment, the time spent on electronic equipment for teaching purposes in schools shall not exceed 30% of total teaching hours in principle. When using electronic products for academic study after class for 30 to 40 minutes, children should take a 10-minute break to look into the distance and relax their eyes. For non-academic purposes, single screen sessions should last no more than 15 minutes, with a cumulative daily limit of one hour.

In addition, children and adolescents shall not engage in continuous reading or writing for over 40 minutes at a stretch. Sufficient outdoor daylight activity time must be guaranteed. Teachers and parents should encourage children to take regular physical exercise, with a minimum of two hours of outdoor activity under natural light every day. Boarding kindergartens shall arrange no less than three hours of daily outdoor activities for children.