💻 TechnologyLevel 1Lesson 13
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Take Regular Screen Breaks

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Explain why screen breaks are good for my body and eyes, and place the steps of a healthy screen-time routine in the correct order
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Mini Lesson

Screens are fun and useful — but staring at one for too long is hard on your body. Your eyes, neck, back, and brain all need regular breaks to stay healthy and happy!

What happens when you skip breaks?

  • Your eyes get tired and dry because you blink less when looking at a screen.
  • Your neck and back get stiff from sitting in the same position for too long.
  • Your brain has trouble focusing after a long stretch of screen time.

The 20-20-20 rule

  • Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen.
  • Focus on something 20 feet away (across the room or out a window).
  • Hold that gaze for 20 seconds — this relaxes your eye muscles.

A healthy screen-time routine

  • Step 1 — Agree on screen time with an adult before you start.
  • Step 2 — Use the screen for the agreed time, applying the 20-20-20 rule.
  • Step 3 — Take a proper break: move your body, drink water, or go outside.
  • Step 4 — Return to the screen only after the break is done.
The 20-20-20 screen break ruleThree circles in a row. First circle: 20 minutes on screen. Second circle: look 20 feet away. Third circle: hold for 20 seconds. An arrow connects each circle.The 20-20-20 Rule20minuteson screen20feet awaylook there20secondshold gazeTimer on!Look awayRelax eyesGreat break activities:Move!Drink waterGo outsideRead a book
The 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds — and four healthy screen-break activities.
Healthy screen habits compared with unhealthy screen habitsTwo columns. Left shows healthy habits with green check marks. Right shows unhealthy habits with orange crosses.Healthy habitsTake a break every 20 minMove and drink waterAgree screen time with adultLook away to rest eyesUnhealthy habitsSkip breaks all daySit still for hoursUse screen until bedtimeIgnore tired, dry eyesHealthy habits keep your eyes and body well.
Healthy screen habits (breaks, movement, agreed time, resting eyes) compared with unhealthy habits.
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Ask yourself: "Have I had a break in the last 20 minutes? Are my eyes feeling tired or dry?

Vocabulary
Screen break
A short rest away from a screene.g. I took a screen break to stretch my legs.
Screen time
The amount of time you spend using a screene.g. We agreed on 30 minutes of screen time today.
20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 secondse.g. The 20-20-20 rule helps my eyes feel less tired.
Eye strain
Tired or sore eyes from staring at a screen too longe.g. Taking breaks helps stop eye strain.
Routine
Steps you do in the same order to make a habite.g. My screen-time routine includes a break and water.
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← Lesson 12: Be Kind When Using DevicesLesson 14: Keep Tablets and Computers Clean →