Excess Screen Time May Affect Children's Spine Health: Experts
Long periods of screen use, prolonged sitting and poor posture may be linked to back, neck and other spinal problems among children and teenagers, physiotherapy experts have said.
Experts from the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP)highlighted the issue during the World Physiotherapy Asia Western Pacific (WPAWP) Regional Conference 2026at Yashobhoomi in Delhi. The event brought together more than 10,000 physiotherapy professionals and delegates from India and 32 countries to discuss emerging issues in physical health, rehabilitation and preventive care.
Why Children's Screen Habits Matter
Dr Sanjiv K Jha, IAP president and organising chair of the WPAWP Regional Conference 2026, said the concern goes beyond simply counting the number of hours children spend on screens.
He said sitting in the same position for extended periods, limited physical movement and repeatedly looking down at smartphones can put additional strain on the neck and back.
According to experts, children should be encouraged to combine screen use with regular movement, proper posture and adequate physical activity.
However, they cautioned that screen time alone should not be treated as a definite or single cause of back pain. Scientific research has reported associations between sedentary behaviour and spinal pain in children and adolescents, but the relationship is more complex.
Screen Use and Neck Pain
Research has also examined the possible connection between sedentary habits and neck discomfort among young people. A systematic review and meta-analysis reported a mild association between sedentary behaviour and neck pain in children and adolescents.
Another study of 970 school-aged children found links between overall screen exposure, passive gaming and social media use and neck and shoulder pain at one follow-up assessment.
The way children position their bodies while using devices may also play a role. Research involving children aged five to 12 found that smartphone use was associated with changes in head and neck flexion and craniocervical posture, particularly when the children were seated.
Experts Call for Regular Movement Breaks
Dr Ruchi Varshney, organising secretary of WPAWP 2026, said children today can remain physically inactive for extended periods while staying mentally engaged with digital devices.
She said the solution should not simply be to remove technology from children's lives. Instead, parents and schools should help children develop healthier habits while using devices.
Experts recommended taking frequent movement breaks during study and screen sessions, changing sitting positions, using suitable seating and maintaining regular age-appropriate physical activity.
They also advised children to avoid spending prolonged periods with their neck bent down while using smartphones.
Early Attention to Persistent Pain
Physiotherapy experts said preventive movement education could help children develop healthier habits and potentially reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems.
Parents and schools were advised to pay attention if a child develops pain that is recurrent or persistent and seek an early assessment when required.
Dr Varshney said childhood is an important stage for developing healthy movement patterns rather than waiting until musculoskeletal problems become established.
With technology increasingly integrated into education and daily life, experts stressed the importance of balancing screen use with movement, fitness and healthy spinal habits.
