School’s Out—Backpacks Are Out: Summer Posture Tips for Kids and Teens in Lebanon OH

Are Screens the New Backpack? Why Summer May Be Hurting Your Child’s Posture

The school year might be over, but poor posture doesn’t take a summer vacation. While heavy backpacks are no longer dragging kids down, a new posture problem tends to take over in June—screen time slouching. With more time at home, on the couch, and glued to phones, tablets, and gaming consoles, kids and teens are at serious risk of developing bad postural habits that can lead to long-term pain and spinal issues. Contact our Lebanon OH chiropractic clinic today to learn more.

As a parent, summer is the perfect opportunity to reset your child’s posture and promote healthy habits that support spinal health. And one of the best ways to do that is through chiropractic care.

Why Posture Matters in the Summer Months

Kids grow fast—and poor posture during these critical growth periods can result in lasting misalignments and musculoskeletal problems. Without the structured movement of school schedules (walking between classes, standing in lines, carrying books), many children become sedentary during the summer.

Prolonged sitting, slouching, and "tech neck" from screen use can strain the spine, tighten muscles, and even impact your child’s mood, energy, and focus. Chiropractic care offers a gentle, natural solution to support your child’s development and help them maintain good posture all year long.

Top 5 Summer Posture Tips for Kids and Teens

1. Encourage Daily Movement: Spinal health depends on regular movement. Encourage your kids to take active breaks every hour—even just 10 minutes of stretching, walking, or outdoor play can make a big difference. Bonus: physical activity improves mood and sleep, too!
2. Set a Screen Time Limit: The more time kids spend hunched over screens, the more strain is placed on their neck and upper back. Set healthy limits on devices, and encourage screen-free activities like biking, swimming, or reading while lying on their stomach (to avoid forward head posture).
3. Create an Ergonomic “Chill Zone”: Most kids don’t think twice about posture while lounging. Make sure your child’s favorite hangout spots—couch, gaming chair, or even their bed—support a spine-friendly position. Use pillows to support lower back curves and raise screens to eye level when possible.
4. Stretch It Out: Tight muscles in the chest, shoulders, and hips can pull the body into poor posture. Gentle stretching of these areas, along with simple yoga poses, can help loosen up the body and support upright posture. Your chiropractor can recommend stretches tailored to your child’s needs.
5. Schedule a Posture Check with a Chiropractor: One of the most effective ways to support your child’s growing spine is with a chiropractic posture assessment. Chiropractors can detect and correct spinal misalignments, improve mobility, and give personalized advice for better posture and alignment.

Call Countryside Integrative Health Today for a Summer Posture Check

Help your child build a stronger, healthier foundation—this summer and for years to come. Chiropractic care is a safe, gentle, and effective way to support your child’s posture, boost their energy, and prevent future pain.

Call Countryside Integrative Health at (513) 836-8844 today to schedule a posture check for your child or teen. Let’s keep those growing spines straight and strong all summer long!