Why Kids Should Stop Using Their Phones During Car Rides

Urband Creative
11 minutes ago
2 min read

Screens keep kids quiet and occupied during car rides. Whether it’s watching cartoons or playing games it seems like an easy fix for restless passengers. And for parents, it offers a moment of peace during car rides, especially on long trips. But what many don’t realize is how much strain this habit can put on their child’s eyes.

What Happens to the Eyes when Using Screens in the Car

When the car is in motion, the body senses movement but the eyes stay fixed on something still such as a phone or tablet. This creates a mind-body disconnect where the brain feels the car moving yet the eyes don't see it. This mismatch can confuse the brain and lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea or motion sickness. While it doesn’t cause any permanent damage, it can make the eyes feel tired and uncomfortable.

Why It’s Harder on Their Eyes

Focusing on a screen demands constant effort. The small text, bright light, and constant motion of videos or games make the eyes work extra hard to maintain focus. Especially in a moving vehicle where every bump or turn makes the eyes refocus repeatedly. Over time, it can cause visual stress to kids, leading to temporary blurry vision or headaches.

Can It Affect Their Vision in the Long Run?

While using a phone during car rides does not directly harm your child’s eyes, it can cause eye strain. Any kind of sustained close-up focus or “near work” like reading or watching videos on a small screen, puts extra pressure on the eyes to maintain focus at a short distance. Over time this can contribute to eye fatigue and may increase the risk of myopia worsening more quickly.

If your child really wants to use their phone or tablet in the car, encourage them to take short breaks. Such as every few minutes have them look out the window or into the distance, giving their eyes a chance to relax.

Healthier Alternatives for Road Trips

If you’re heading out for a long drive, there are still plenty of ways to keep kids entertained without hurting their eyes. Try these instead:

Listen to music or audiobooks
Play simple car games like “I Spy”
Look out the window and watch the scenery

Phones may make care rides quieter, but they can also make your child’s eyes work overtime. Encouraging screen-free travel time helps protect their vision and lets them enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

At Eyelet, we believe healthy vision starts with good daily habits. From limiting screen time to wearing the right pair of glasses. Our lightweight, durable kids’ frames are designed for comfort and clarity, helping young eyes stay focused wherever the day takes them.