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Postures for healthy screen time and screen use

Illustration of boy changing positions while using tablet device

Change position often. Staying in one position for too long stresses muscles and joints.

Illustration of girl changing positions while using tablet device

Swap between bending forwards and backwards.

Illustration of young boy standing up to watch show on tablet

Move around while using devices. Propping up the device on a table or other surface can help.

Postures to avoid with screen time

Illustration of boy showing poor posture position while watching tablet

Holding a device at eye level for a long time can make your child’s muscles tired.

Images showing poor posture in young children using screen devices

Bending the neck too far backwards or forwards can lead to pain or strain.

Child in pram with screen too close to face

Holding a phone very close to the eyes can make your child’s eye muscles tired.

How to improve screen time posture

Mother and child on couch looking at screen device together showing good posture

Prop your device on a cushion: this can stop your child’s muscles from getting tired.

Girl sitting up at table with good posture watching tablet device

Use devices at eye level: this can avoid neck strain.

Children sitting and lying on floor playing video game

Put distance between screens and eyes. This is less tiring for eyes and encourages kids to move around.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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