The widespread use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and television among children and teenagers is a growing concern. While these devices offer a wide range of educational and entertainment options, excessive use can lead to health problems, especially back pain. Brazilian researchers conducted a study that identified several risk factors for spinal health, including looking at screens for more than three hours a day, proximity of the eyes to the screen, and sitting or lying on the stomach. In this blog, we will discuss the findings of this study and offer some recommendations for parents, teachers, and students.
Prevalence and Incidence of Thoracic Spine Pain (TSP)
The study focused on thoracic spine pain (TSP) among 14- to 18-year-old male and female students in the first and second years of high school in Bauru, a medium-sized city in Sao Paulo state. A baseline questionnaire was completed in March-June 2017 by 1,628 participants, of whom 1,393 completed a follow-up questionnaire in 2018. The analysis showed a one-year prevalence of 38.4 percent (the proportion reporting TSP in both the baseline and follow-up surveys) and a one-year incidence of 10.1 percent (new TSP reported only in the follow-up survey). More girls than boys reported TSP.
Risk Factors Associated with TSP
TSP is common in different age groups of the general population worldwide, with prevalence ranging from 15 percent-35 percent in adults and 13 percent-35 percent in children and adolescents. The risk factors associated with TSP are physical, physiological, psychological, and behavioral, according to several investigations. There is also strong evidence of the effects of physical activity, sedentary habits, and mental disorders on spinal health. All these factors are considered critical by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its latest global review of evidence and guidelines.
Impact of TSP on Academic Performance and Psychosocial Health
Information on risk factors for TSP in high school students is important because children and adolescents with back pain are more inactive, achieve less academically, and have more psychosocial problems, according to the article. In addition, fewer studies have been conducted on TSP than on lower back and neck pain. A systematic review of the literature on TSP found only two prospective studies regarding prognostic factors.
Recommendations for Parents, Teachers, and Students
The study can be used to inform health education programs for school students, teachers, staff, and parents, said Alberto de Vitta, first author of the article. He has a PhD in education from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in public health at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in Botucatu.
Some recommendations for parents, teachers, and students are:
- Limit screen time to less than three hours per day, especially for younger children.
- Encourage children to take breaks from screen time and engage in physical activity, such as outdoor play or sports.
- Educate children on proper posture while using electronic devices, such as keeping the screen at eye level and avoiding lying on the stomach.
- Teach children relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga, to reduce stress and tension in the back and neck.
- Consult a healthcare professional if your child experiences persistent back pain or other symptoms.
Conclusion
The excessive use of electronic devices among children and teenagers is a growing concern due to its negative impact on spinal health, especially back pain. The Brazilian study identified several risk factors for TSP, such as looking at screens for more than three hours a day, proximity of the eyes to the screen, and sitting or lying on the stomach. These risk factors are physical, physiological, psychological and behavioral, and can have a significant impact on a child’s or teenager’s overall health and well-being.
It is essential for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to recognize the importance of promoting healthy habits and lifestyle changes among children and teenagers to reduce the risk of spinal health problems. Simple measures such as reducing screen time, maintaining proper posture, engaging in physical activity, and taking regular breaks can go a long way in preventing and managing TSP.
Additionally, incorporating health education programs into school curriculums can help raise awareness among students, teachers, staff, and parents about the risks associated with excessive screen time and poor posture. This education can also provide practical advice on how to prevent and manage TSP and other spinal health problems.
In conclusion, the increasing use of electronic devices among children and teenagers has led to a rise in spinal health problems such as TSP. It is crucial to address these issues by promoting healthy habits, educating about the risks, and taking necessary steps to prevent and manage spinal health problems. By doing so, we can ensure that the younger generation grows up with healthy spines and better overall health and well-being.
