THE INFLUENCE OF THE SMARTPHONES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF POSTURE AND MUSCLE DISORDERS IN THE HEAD AND NECK AREA BY CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The rapid proliferation of smartphones has transformed the lifestyle of modern youth, offering constant access to communication, entertainment, and information. However, this convenience is accompanied by growing concerns about its negative effects on posture and musculoskeletal health. A growing body of research indicates that excessive smartphone use contributes to postural abnormalities, particularly forward head posture (FHP), rounded shoulders, and increased cervical muscle tension among children and adolescents (López-de-Uralde-Villanueva et al., 2023; Alotaibi & Alsaadi, 2022; Areeudomwong et al., 2021). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirm that prolonged screen exposure and sedentary behavior are associated with neck and shoulder pain, muscle fatigue, and impaired postural control (López-de-Uralde-Villanueva et al., 2023; Hegazy et al., 2020). Biomechanical studies show that sustained head flexion during smartphone use increases cervical load exponentially — up to 27 kg of additional pressure on the spine when the neck is flexed at 60° (Kim & Kim, 2015). These changes may contribute to the development of “text neck syndrome,” characterized by chronic neck pain, stiffness, and muscle imbalance (Damasceno et al., 2018; Xie et al., 2020). The problem intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote learning and restricted physical activity significantly increased screen time (Cakir et al., 2022). This review summarizes current evidence on the impact of smartphone use on posture and musculoskeletal health in children and adolescents, exploring biomechanical mechanisms, behavioral risk factors, and possible preventive strategies.