As modern technology has taken over the world, screen time both with adults and children has increased drastically and not without any downfalls. Many parents ask the question, how much screen time is too much screen time, when it comes to their children but what many parents don’t realise that it can have lasting and physically damaging effects on their children. Yes, adults work in front of computers all day and it doesn’t affect many of them physically but when it comes to adults there are a few things they do to assist in the prevention of injuries; when they feel they are uncomfortable they adjust their positioning; they realise when their body has had enough, their bodies are physically stronger and well developed to withstand the impact on their bodies, but children do not have these abilities and this is why too much screen time can really affect their postures as they continue to grow and develop.
The effects of screen time on children can be due to the fact that their head and necks are bent forward and down during periods of screen time. This can also be called the “Text neck syndrome”, this is when the position of the head and neck during screen time can cause nerve irritation, inflammation of the ligaments in the neck. The most drastic effect that this has on the body is that it can increase the curvature of the spine and more drastically there is an increased risk of spondylosis in children who have prolonged periods of screen time. Due to the position of the neck during screen time, the back, neck and shoulder muscles are weakened and rounded shoulders are formed. Although these effects are major and have huge impact of the children and the way they develop in the future, it’s never too late to change a child’s habits and get them excited and interested in another hobby or activity. Screen time is often unavoidable so here are some tips to assisting in the handling of children using technology:
• Raise phone or Ipad to eye level.
• Taking breaks often
• Doing postural and core strengthening exercises.
Although decreasing screen time is the best solution, adding in these few tips can assist in the lessening of the damage done to their bodies.
Here are Van Vuuren Biokinetics we offer screenings, assessments and group classes that can assist in decreasing the effects of screen time as well as getting children interested in a new hobby and activity
