Parents in New York City are concerned about their children’s safety during the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday. The eclipse, which peaks just as many schools are dismissed at around 3 p.m., could potentially cause damage to young students’ eyes if they look directly at the sun. Worried parents are urging the city Department of Education to do more to protect their children, with some even threatening to blame the department if anything happens to their kids.
With the moon covering 89 percent of the sun, youngsters in the city may be tempted to stare at the eclipse, putting their retina cells at risk and potentially leading to partial blindness. Parents are especially concerned about children’s curiosity and the fact that they may not fully understand the dangers of looking at the sun. Some parents feel that without the proper protective eyewear, their children may be at risk of harm during the solar eclipse.
The solar eclipse set to occur on April 8 will be visible in New York City just after 2 p.m. It is expected to affect over 180 million people in its path, expanding across North America from Mexico to Newfoundland, Canada, hitting 15 US states. Experts anticipate a huge solar explosion, and warn that viewing the eclipse without proper eyewear could lead to serious eye injury.
Parents like Farzann Mitul, who has a son attending school in East Flushing, Queens, are especially concerned about their children’s safety during the eclipse. Mitul’s son was supposed to receive protective eyewear in class but never got it, leaving her worried about his safety as he travels home during the peak time of the eclipse. Mitul, along with other parents, believes that schools should either close or release students early to ensure their safety during the solar event.
Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can lead to permanent damage to the eyes, including solar retinopathy. Eye doctors often see an increase in visits related to eye injuries after solar eclipses, highlighting the importance of taking precautions during the event. While some schools across the country have chosen to cancel classes to protect students from harm, it is unclear what steps the NYC Department of Education will take to ensure the safety of young students in the city during the solar eclipse.
