15 October 2026
“Tech neck” is a term used to describe neck and upper back discomfort that can develop when someone spends long periods looking down at a phone, tablet or laptop. Children, teenagers and young adults can be particularly prone to spending hours in the same position, whether that is during schoolwork, gaming or scrolling on a phone.
The issue is not simply about having “bad posture”. Staying in one position for too long, limited movement and the way a device is set up can all play a part. This blog looks at the signs to be aware of, what may be contributing to the discomfort and the steps that can be taken to make screen use easier on the neck and shoulders.
Signs Your Child May Have Tech Neck
Parents may notice the changes before a child actually says that something feels uncomfortable. They might start rubbing their neck or shoulders, complain of headaches, or seem stiff after spending a long time on a phone, tablet or laptop. You may also notice them settling into the same slouched position for long periods, with the head dropped forwards and the shoulders rounded.
These signs can have more than one explanation, so it helps to look at when they appear. One thing to notice is whether the discomfort tends to show up after longer periods on a phone, tablet or laptop, then eases once your child gets up and moves around. That does not necessarily mean the screen is causing the problem, but it can highlight habits worth changing.
How Parents Can Help Prevent Tech Neck
Parents play an important role in helping to prevent tech neck and encourage healthy posture habits. Simple steps such as encouraging regular screen breaks, setting sensible limits on screen time, and promoting outdoor play and physical activity can help reduce the amount of time children spend looking down at devices. Leading by example is equally important, as children are more likely to adopt healthy posture habits when they see them being practised at home. By making these small changes, parents can help support their child’s spinal health and overall wellbeing.
When Should Parents Seek Professional Advice?
If your child or young adult is experiencing ongoing neck pain, stiffness or discomfort that is not improving, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional. This could include someone such as a GP, pharmacist or chiropractor, who can offer guidance based on their symptoms and help you decide on the most appropriate next step.
How Chiropractic Care Can Support Young People
A chiropractor can check how comfortably the neck and shoulders are moving, ask when the symptoms tend to appear and consider whether long periods in one position might be aggravating things.
The advice will depend on what they find. For some children, small changes such as adjusting the position of a laptop or tablet, taking more movement breaks or varying how they sit during the day may be useful. If the discomfort is not settling or keeps returning, you can contact our team at Lichfield Chiropractic Clinic to arrange an appointment and discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
