Excessive screen use, prolonged sitting and poor posture may be associated with back, neck and other spinal problems among children and teenagers, according to physiotherapy experts.
The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) raised the concern during the World Physiotherapy Asia Western Pacific (WPAWP) Regional Conference 2026, held at Yashobhoomi in Delhi. The conference brought together more than 10,000 physiotherapy professionals and delegates from India and 32 countries to discuss emerging concerns in physical health, rehabilitation and preventive care.
Why Children’s Screen Habits Need Attention
Dr Sanjiv K Jha, president of the IAP and organising chair of the WPAWP Regional Conference 2026, said the issue is not simply about how many hours children spend looking at screens.
According to him, remaining seated in one position for long periods, getting insufficient movement and frequently looking down at smartphones can place additional stress on the neck and back.
Experts said children should be encouraged to balance screen activities with regular movement, good posture and sufficient physical activity. At the same time, they cautioned that screen exposure should not be considered the sole or definite cause of back pain.
Scientific studies have found associations between sedentary behaviour and spinal pain among children and adolescents, although the relationship is complex and may involve several factors.
Studies Examine Screen Use and Neck Pain
Researchers have also investigated the possible relationship between sedentary behaviour and neck discomfort in young people. A systematic review and meta-analysis found a mild association between sedentary behaviour and neck pain among children and adolescents.
In another study involving 970 school-aged children, overall screen exposure, passive gaming and social media use were associated with neck and shoulder pain at one follow-up assessment.
Body position while using digital devices may also be relevant. Research involving children aged five to 12 found that smartphone use was linked with changes in head and neck flexion and craniocervical posture, particularly when children were sitting.
Experts Recommend More Movement Breaks
Dr Ruchi Varshney, organising secretary of WPAWP 2026, said children can now spend long periods being physically inactive while remaining engaged with digital devices.
She said the answer is not necessarily to eliminate technology from children’s lives. Instead, parents and schools should encourage healthier habits around device use.
Experts recommended that children take regular movement breaks during study and screen sessions, vary their sitting positions, use appropriate seating and remain physically active according to their age.
They also advised avoiding prolonged smartphone use while keeping the neck bent downward.
Persistent Pain Should Not Be Ignored
Physiotherapy experts said teaching children about movement and posture from an early age could help them develop healthier habits and may reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems.
Parents and schools should pay attention when children experience recurring or persistent pain and arrange an assessment when necessary.
Dr Varshney said childhood is an important period for developing healthy movement patterns instead of waiting until musculoskeletal problems become established.
As technology becomes an increasingly important part of education and everyday life, experts emphasised the need to maintain a healthy balance between screen use, physical activity, fitness and good spinal habits.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information and expert statements presented in the source material. It is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional medical evaluation.
