Nowadays, children spend a significant amount of time on screens. Physiotherapy experts state that excessive screen use, prolonged sitting, and poor sitting posture can lead to back, neck, and other spinal issues in children and adolescents. They emphasized the need for regular breaks, movement, awareness regarding ergonomics, and preventive physiotherapy.

**Discussion on Emerging Challenges at the WPAP Conference**
Experts from the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) raised this concern at the World Physiotherapy Asia Western Pacific (WPAP) Regional Conference 2026, held at Yashobhoomi in Delhi. The conference was attended by over 10,000 physiotherapy professionals and delegates from India and 32 other countries, who discussed emerging challenges in physical health, rehabilitation, and preventive care.

**Concerns Raised at the Conference**
Dr. Sanjeev K. Jha, President of the IAP and Organizing Chairman of the WPAP Regional Conference 2026, stated that the concern is not merely about the number of hours a child spends on a screen, but what happens to the body during that time. He noted that prolonged sitting, static postures, low activity levels, and frequently leaning towards mobile devices can strain the neck and back.

It is essential to teach children the importance of moving around, maintaining correct posture, and engaging in regular physical activity while using screens. Recent scientific evidence has also indicated a link between sedentary behavior and spinal pain in children and adolescents.

However, experts cautioned that screen time should not be considered the sole or proven cause of back pain; it can also contribute to neck pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis found a mild association between sedentary behavior and neck pain in children and adolescents.

**Children need to be taught healthy screen habits**
"We need to teach healthy screen habits," they said. "It is essential to change positions, take regular activity breaks, ensure proper seating arrangements, and keep children physically active. Preventive physiotherapy and education on physical activity can play a crucial role in this approach."

Experts suggested that schools and parents encourage children to take breaks during study and screen sessions, engage in age-appropriate physical activity, and be mindful of ergonomic seating and posture. They also advised avoiding prolonged smartphone use with the neck bent forward and recommended prompt evaluation if pain recurs or persists.

**Impact of excessive device use on children**
Experts noted that body posture while using devices is also significant. A study involving children aged five to 12 found that smartphone use—particularly while seated—leads to changes in head and neck inclination and cranio-cervical posture.

Dr. Ruchi Varshney, Organizing Secretary of WPAP 2026, said, "We are seeing a generation of children who can remain physically stationary for long periods while being mentally engrossed in screens. The solution is not simply to take technology away from children."

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