In an age where children spend so much time looking at screens, you may be concerned about the mental impact of such activities. However, have you thought about the physical impact? An increasing number of children are suffering from physical injuries relating to excessive technology use. From repetitive strain injuries to neck pain (or tech neck), the adverse impact of computer equipment use is becoming increasingly apparent. Read on for ways to ensure your kids don't have to visit a children's chiropractor anytime soon.
Set Sensible Limits
You may find that a degree of computer use is an expected part of your child's education. Whether that's time spent at school studying on a computer, or research conducted at home for homework, work out how much time will be spent at a computer for education purposes. You can then decide how much time you should allocate them for screen-based technology use at home. This allowance is likely to be less for younger children than older ones. Paediatric specialists currently recommend no more than two hours of entertainment-based screen time per day.
Sit Them Correctly and in the Right Area
Make sure your child is sitting at a table when using computers and tablets. For tablets, buy a stand that places the tablet in a more comfortable, ergonomic viewing position. For phones, your children should be encouraged to sit or stand up straight and hold their phones at a higher position. This prevents them leaning forward with their necks bent down. Technology should also be kept within areas of the home that you can supervise. A communal location will enable you to prevent them from viewing inappropriate material as well as making it easier to monitor their usage time.
Make Them Take Regular Breaks
Whatever technology your child is using, make sure they take regular breaks. Encourage them to take a break every half hour and to get up and move around during this time. There are apps available that can time this for them, or you can simply buy a portable timer and set it for the half hour. Make sure you reset the timer when their break is over.
Make Them Take Regular Breaks
Encourage your children to get out and exercise to counter the adverse effects of sitting in front of a screen. Take them to parks or get them out into the garden for a game. This not only allows their bodies to build strength and loosen up, it also gives their brain a break from the constant stimulation that technology provides.
Of course, these tips are not just for children. If you work at a computer or spend a lot of time staring at screens, then you can lead by example and follow the guide yourself. There is no escaping technology, so the best thing you can do is to teach your children to use it wisely. If you or your children do not make improvements after making the suggested changes, you should see a general chiropractor for an examination. It may be that you need treatment to undo the damage already done.
Share14 September 2016
My kids get really sore backs from all the time they spend sitting down at school at their desk. It's really hard on growing bodies to always be confined like that. I take them to the chiropractor to get regular adjustments, and it really helps relieve their sore their as well as helping them to sleep better at night. I love that they have so much more energy and vitality after their treatments. Our chiropractor is a total genius! This blog is all about how great chiropractic treatment can be for kids and teenagers. It should be really useful for parents and caretakers who want to help their kids.