Screen time and aches and Pain in children
Prevention is the key when it comes to text-neck
Suggestions
The following suggestions should be kept in mind while letting the kids use smartphones or other handheld devices
- Avoid excessive usage and take frequent breaks.
- Avoid prolonged static postures.
- Change your postures after a while
- Position the device such that it reduces stresses both on the head/neck and the arms
- Avoid high repetitions of movements such as prolonged typing or swiping.
- Avoid holding large or heavy devices in one hand for long duration.
The Australian Department of Health (2012) published guidelines for children about the recommended time to pass on mobile devices or electronic media
- Children <2 years: recommended no time watching TV or using other electronic media (DVDs, computer, and other electronic games).
- Children 2–5 years: no more than 1 h/day sitting and watching television and other electronic media (DVDs, computer, and electronic games).
Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers should not be sedentary, restrained or kept inactive for more than 1 h at a time, with the exception of sleeping.