As the days go by, the use of cell phones becomes more and more frequent in people's lives. Teenagers are no exception as they are always immersed in educational video channels, games and apps. However, most of them are not concerned with important aspects, such as physical posture, when using these devices.
Check out the following physical problems caused by excessive use of cell phones among teenagers:
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The constant use of cell phones has caused physical problems
Recently, a study was carried out by FAPESP that identified several risk factors for spine health when teenagers spend hours and hours using their electronic devices.
Issues such as the use of screens for more than three hours a day, the short distance between electronic equipment and the eyes, use in the lying prone and also in a sitting position, resulted in several complaints of pain in the middle of the back, named thoracic back pain or TSP.
Risk factors
Research indicates that TSP is present in different age groups. It is estimated that between 15% and 35% of those affected are adults, while 13% to 35% are adolescents and children. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified this scenario.
In addition to the physical risks, there are also physiological, psychological, and behavioral dangers associated with TSP. Evidences indicate that the effects of physical activities, sedentary behavior and mental health are directly related to the development of this condition.
How to mitigate all these factors considered critical?
According to Alberto de Vitta, PhD in Education from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), the implementation of health education programs at different school levels can be one of several solutions to mitigate this situation.
As soon as the school assumes responsibility for health education, it will be able to promote the adoption of self-care habits, respecting the possibilities and limits of the body.
But why is school intervention so important?
For Vitta, high school students who have risk factors for TSP are usually more inactive, have low academic performance and more psychosocial problems. Therefore, with the school intervening, the general picture will be softened.