Eyesafe screen covers tested by journalism students
Kare11 visited BSM’s journalism classes to interview students about the effects of the Eyesafe screen covers.
Headaches, eye aches, and trouble sleeping are all side effects from spending too much time looking at a screen. However, there are ways that technology experiences can be improved. Hoping to decrease these symptoms, Benilde-St. Margaret’s has recently applied Eyesafe screen covers, which are produced by local company Health-e, to journalism students’ computers and phones.
BSM has always tried to be up-to-date on the latest technology trends, so their interest in Health-e’s new eye-saving screen covers is not a big surprise. Knowing that the health of their students is crucial, they jumped on the opportunity to try out this new invention. “BSM is always on the cutting edge when it comes to the health of students,” senior high principal Dr. Susan Skinner said.
Claimed to be “sunscreen for your eyes,” Eyesafe screen covers are manufactured to help prevent eye damage caused by the harmful blue light emitted computers. Causing headaches, sore eyes, and preventing computer users from getting a good night’s sleep, blue light is unhealthy for day-to-day life, which is why the goal of Eyesafe covers is to block those lights in the first place.
As an initial assessment of the Eyesafe screens, they were applied to an array of students’ computers in journalism classes. After the initial application, there were a variety of original opinions. Some students were doubtful about new application. “It’s positive that they’re trying these things out, but I’m skeptical to see how helpful they’ll actually be,” sophomore Abby Letscher said.
Other students weren’t sure if the new Eyesafe screens would actually be beneficial to their everyday health. However, many students had a hopeful and positive attitude toward the idea of Eyesafe screen covers. “It definitely can’t hurt. I’m excited to see how it turns out,” junior Kasey Desmond said.
Because of the innovative nature of the screen covers, Kare11 visited the journalism classes to feature the company and its trial at BSM.
After a couple weeks of usage, follow-up interviews were conducted with students and teachers who had been using their computers and phones with the screen covers on to see the effects of the Eyesafe covers. Some were not impressed with the new appliance, saying that they hadn’t noticed a difference with their symptoms. “It’s hard to say. It’s not obvious but nothing’s worse,” English and journalism teacher Mrs. Tiffany Joseph said.
Others had a positive reaction to the Eyesafe screen covers, saying that they had noticed a difference with their screen-related symptoms. “I have noticed that it’s easier to fall asleep at night,” Desmond said.
Because results have been uncertain during the time that the Eyesafe screen covers have been used on screens at BSM, it is recommended that a longer trial period is put in place before action is taken throughout the entire school. However, if they prove to be beneficial, it is possible that these new screen covers are to be applied throughout the school, further improving BSM’s technology experience.
