I LIMIT screen time for my young children but have noticed that they tend to slump when using the devices. What can I do to prevent poor postural development?
Back pain is becoming increasingly more common in children and adolescents, which is thought to be due to poor posture caused by increased screen time.
Although the spine is much more flexible in children than it is in adults, there can be early changes in bone structure and muscle development at this time caused by poor postural habits. It can cause headaches and muscle fatigue in children and adolescents and may predispose to back and neck conditions later on in life.
Although postural assessments are not part of routine checks done in general practice it wouldn’t hurt to ask your GP especially if your child is complaining about any back or neck pain or recurrent headaches.
A physiotherapist might be better placed to assess postural issues and propose a treatment plan. To avoid problems, reduce screen time and include more outdoors and exercise time after school and on the weekends.
Reducing the weight of school backpacks is also a good idea. Teaching your child correct posture will prevent issues later on.
