Adapting to the digital world – Joint statement on children’s eye health

5Rights Foundation, together with 13 civil society and industry organisations spanning healthcare, education, sports, technology, and outdoor sectors, issued a joint policy statement on children’s eye health, emphasising the negative impact of prolonged screen time on children’s eyesight.

Today’s children spend significantly more time indoors and are increasingly dependent on screens for education, entertainment and communication. As a result, we are witnessing an unprecedented rise in children’s eye health issues from a young age, while studies show that an increased amount of time spent outdoors can delay the onset of myopia.

Excessive screen time is not just a matter of mental wellbeing; the physical toll on children’s health is clear and escalating. Yet, many digital platforms and services are deliberately engineered to maximise user engagement, encouraging longer and more frequent screen use.

We must address the design practices that prioritise profit over children’s health.