In this modern era, children’s lives have become heavily dependent on technology devices. They spend more time indoors, playing video games, watching TV shows, and using tablets and smartphones.

According to a report, about 80% of children between the ages of 2 and 12 years old use a tablet at least once a week and an average of 30 minutes per day.

The Impact of Tablet Use on Musculoskeletal Health

Using tablets for an extended period may lead to a plethora of adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. Tablets are held in the lap, and children stoop downwards to look at the screen, which encourages poor posture habits.

The prolonged use of tablets leads to the development of neck, shoulder, and back pain, which is commonly referred to as repetitive strain injury.

Repetitive strain injury occurs when children use non-ergonomic electronic devices like tablets for extended periods.

The devices feature small screens, which causes the child to keep the screen at an uncomfortable angle, and this, in turn, leads to neck and spine problems. Children who use tablets lie on their stomachs to view their devices and have their head turned downwards, which leads to neck pain and headaches.

Effects of Tablets on Vision Health

When children use tablets for too long periods, they’re also at a higher risk of developing eye strain, visual fatigue, and tear problems. The glare emitted by tablet screens puts repetitive strain on the eyes of children.

If a child spends too much time engrossed in tablet use, their visual development may become impaired. This results in tearing, burning, and myopia.

These problems often occur after a child has been staring at the device for an extended period without taking a break. Even more worrying is that the exposure to LED light or blue light from a tablet can suppress their sleep hormone melatonin secretion, leading to sleep issues.

Effect of Tablet Use on Posture

The way children hold and use their tablet can harm the spinal muscles and skeletal system. The area between the neck and shoulder muscles is under significant stress when using handheld devices like tablets.

Poor posture with prolonged usage can lead to headaches, pain in the neck, and shoulders. There is also a danger of developing spinal curvature, hunchback, scoliosis, chest pain, and other posture problems due to tablet use.

It is critical that children use electronic devices more appropriately to maintain good posture and achieve good health outcomes.

Managing the Effect of Tablet Use on Children’s Health

As much as parents want to limit the time their kids spend on tablets, it is impossible to eliminate tablets from their lives completely.

While the effects of tablets on musculoskeletal health can be detrimental, parents can take steps to mitigate the harm. Some strategies include:.

1. Encouraging kids to take breaks regularly

For every hour your child spends with the tablet, it’s essential to encourage them to take a break. Ideally, the break should be around 15 minutes, and during this period, your child should engage in activities that promote good posture.

This could include stretching, taking a walk, or doing jumping jacks to get the blood flowing to the muscles.

2. Using Ergonomic devices

If your child needs to use a device, it should be ergonomic and child-friendly. There are lots of high-quality tablet stands that support your tablet screen in a way that does not harm the neck or spine.

3. Regulating screen time

To prevent vision or sleep problems, parents need to regulate screen time. One way to do it is by setting controls on the tablet, which determines when your child can use the device. It is also essential to restrict tablet use before bedtime.

4. Encouraging proper lighting

Proper lighting is essential when your child is using their tablet or another electronic device. It would be best if you turned off the overhead lights and use a soft, ambient lamp lighting.

This stops your child’s pupils from dilating too much, which causes eye strain.

5. Laying a Priority on Physical Activities

sedentary lifestyles often lead to poor muscle development, which exerts further stress on the spine. Encourage children to play outside and engage in active sports that promote their muscle development and keep their posture in check.

Parents should limit the time children spend playing with tablets and balance it by providing opportunities for physical activities.

Conclusion

While tablets have revolutionized how we seek knowledge and interact with the world, their improper use can lead to musculoskeletal and vision problems, especially in children.

Parents can mitigate the adverse effects of tablet use on children by encouraging appropriate posture, using ergonomic devices and lighting, regulating screen time, and being mindful of screen use duration. Prioritizing active physical activities can also be of benefit.

With some basic preventative measures, parents can help their children avoid the pitfalls of excessive and prolonged tablet use, thus ensuring proper musculoskeletal and vision development.