How to ensure kids view the eclipse safely
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The total solar eclipse is less than three weeks away and people across central Ohio are preparing themselves and their children for safe viewing.
Glasses are needed for eye protection during the eclipse, but it may be harder for kids to understand why they are necessary.
“The reason to take this seriously is that if you look at a partial eclipse, you can get permanent, instant and severe eye damage,” said Dr. Sean Gallagher, a pediatrician at Central Ohio Primary Care in Worthington.
Kids may be tempted to look at the sun without their safety glasses on April 8 so Gallagher said the way a parent speaks to their kids about safety is key.
“Tell their children what’s going on but use language that they can understand to kind of get the message across that we definitely need to take this very seriously,” said Dr. Gallagher.
For parents who are worried about their kids keeping the glasses on, there are some arts and crafts projects to do with kids before the solar eclipse. One is cutting a paper plate in half and then gluing each half to the top and bottom of the glasses. This way if a child tries to pull the glasses down, the sun will be blocked by the paper plate.
Another DIY project parents can use to help their kids safely view the eclipse is with a box pinhole projector. NASA describes how to make one here.
“It’s an event that you want to err on the side of caution for, for sure. But so long as reasonable safety precautions are taken, it can be safely viewed,” aid Dr. Gallagher.
If a parent fears their child may have stared at the sun, there are some signs to look out for eye damage.
“If their child seems clumsy or they are bumping into things or sitting closer to the television than they usually do,” said Dr. Gallagher. “Parents might just need to pay attention to see if they’re bumping into things.”
If a parent needs glasses for themselves or their kids, all Columbus Metropolitan Library locations have them for free while supplies last.
For more information about safety for all ages during the eclipse, click here.