Screen Time Spines – How Tablets Are Twisting Kids’ Necks

Today’s kids are growing up in a world where screens are everywhere—at school, at home, even in the car. But while tablets and phones are great for learning and entertainment, they’re also creating a new health problem we’re seeing more often in the clinic: Tech Neck.

What Is “Tech Neck”? Tech Neck is the strain placed on the neck and upper back from looking down at screens for long periods. Kids often use tablets while sitting on the floor, hunched over on a couch, or lying awkwardly in bed. This posture may seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to:

• Persistent neck or upper back pain
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Headaches
• Poor posture habits that can last into adulthood

Why Kids Are at Higher Risk Children's bones and muscles are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to postural stress. Plus, they may not recognize when something feels “off” or know how to adjust their body position to avoid strain.

When kids spend hours looking down at a screen with their head tilted forward, it puts added pressure on the spine. In fact, every inch the head moves forward can feel like an extra 10 pounds of pressure on the neck.

What Parents Can Do Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your child’s spine while still allowing screen time:

✅ Raise the Screen: Encourage kids to hold tablets at eye level. Use stands or pillows for support.

✅ Set Time Limits: Break screen time into short, manageable chunks.

✅ Posture Breaks: Have kids stretch or walk around every 20–30 minutes.

✅ Encourage Core Strength: Activities like playing outside, doing yoga, or even sitting on a stability ball can support good posture.

✅ Regular Chiropractic Checkups: A gentle spinal check can help ensure your child’s spine is growing properly and not compensating for poor habits.

The Bottom Line Just like adults, kids are feeling the impact of screen time on their bodies. Teaching healthy screen habits now can prevent a lifetime of neck and back issues later. If your child is complaining of neck pain or stiffness—or if you’ve noticed a slump that won’t go away—it may be time for a posture checkup.