Many adults are using their computers and mobile devices more since the pandemic. The same applies to children as well. One of the critical health issues that we rarely think about is our posture. I recently had some pain issues with my my neck and shoulders resulting from using these devices and not being more aware of my posture. Names have been attributed to various positions when on a mobile device, such as text neck, horns (bone growth at the base of the neck) and hunched or bent neck posture. You want to make sure to avoid getting any of these!
The following tips are for children but adults can incoporate them too and the links below provide a lot of helpful information:
Tip #1: The same rules that apply for adults apply to children – sit with knees, elbows and wrists at 90 degree angles, feet flat, shoulder blades supported on the back of a chair, and the screen at eye level.
Tip #2: Take frequent breaks – every 20 or 30 minutes if permitted. Stand and walk around. Do a wall alignment, which involves standing straight against a wall and raising hands up like a goal post. Time this position for 1 minute. It helps the spine to straighten out.
Tip #3: Stretch. You can stretch at the computer or when you stand for your break. Do head rolls and shoulder rolls. Stretch your chest.
Tip #4: Try alternating positions at the computer. Perhaps your child would like to stand rather than sit.
For more information, please visit:
https://kidspluspgh.com/doctors-notes/computer-ergonomics/
https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/parenting-in-pictures/healthy-posture-for-teenage-screen-time