Slouch-Sit-Scroll Lifestyle Is Harming Teen Health, AIIMS Study Warns
Annanya Gupta | Oct 03, 2025, 16:58 IST
AIIMS study links slouching over gadgets
( Image credit : AP )
Highlight of the story: A new AIIMS study warns that the slouch-sit-scroll lifestyle is putting teens at risk of long-term health damage. Doctors report rising cases of back pain, neck stiffness and poor flexibility among students spending hours on screens or in classrooms without breaks. The study links posture issues, lack of warm-ups before sports, and skipped physical activity to early wear and tear in young bodies. Experts urge posture checks, stretching routines, and reduced screen time to protect teen health.
A new AIIMS study has sounded the alarm on how the slouch-sit-scroll lifestyle is hurting gadget-glued teens in Delhi and beyond. The research finds that poor posture, long sitting hours and skipping warm-ups before sports are causing real damage to young bodies. Doctors say the warning signs are showing up much earlier than expected.
Doctors are seeing early bone and muscle problems in teens who spend hours on phones or stuck in class seats. Many report back pain, neck pain and stiffness. Some even face shoulder strain and weak core strength. Their bodies don't bend as easily anymore. Simple acts like touching toes or running for long stretches have become harder. Physical fitness levels drop month by month, raising fears that the next generation could carry chronic pain into adulthood.
Long hours of screen use make things worse. Too much sitting and little movement push the body toward strain. Teenagers glued to mobile games or streaming shows often stay in one position for hours. When they skip old habits like squatting or sitting cross legged on the floor, they lose natural ways to stay limber and strong. Over time, these missing movements rob the body of balance and flexibility.
Researchers watched students for nearly two years. Students who sat for long hours in class without breaks faced more posture troubles. Those who skipped warm-ups before gym or sports got hurt more often and took longer to heal. The study also noted how heavy school bags add to the stress on the spine. Teachers admitted that with packed timetables, there is little scope for stretch breaks, but experts now say even two minutes of standing up between lessons can make a difference.
Physical therapy and posture fixes helped in pilot trials. Teens who followed guided stretching and strength routines saw better results over weeks. Experts push for breaks in class, more movement during the day and cutting non-stop phone time. Parents are also urged to limit late-night scrolling and encourage outdoor play. Simple steps like correct chair height, sitting upright, or stretching before bed can prevent damage.
The study is a wake-up call. The slouch-sit-scroll lifestyle isn't just a habit. It's a health risk. Without action now, today's teens face lasting damage as they grow into adults with chronic pain and limited movement. Experts warn that the choice is clear: change daily routines today or pay the price tomorrow.
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Signs of Wear and Tear
Posture problems in teens
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Doctors are seeing early bone and muscle problems in teens who spend hours on phones or stuck in class seats. Many report back pain, neck pain and stiffness. Some even face shoulder strain and weak core strength. Their bodies don't bend as easily anymore. Simple acts like touching toes or running for long stretches have become harder. Physical fitness levels drop month by month, raising fears that the next generation could carry chronic pain into adulthood.
How Screen Use Adds to the Problem
Gadget-glued teenagers
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Long hours of screen use make things worse. Too much sitting and little movement push the body toward strain. Teenagers glued to mobile games or streaming shows often stay in one position for hours. When they skip old habits like squatting or sitting cross legged on the floor, they lose natural ways to stay limber and strong. Over time, these missing movements rob the body of balance and flexibility.
Study in the Classroom
New study sheds light on ChatGPT's alarming interactions with teens
( Image credit : AP )
Researchers watched students for nearly two years. Students who sat for long hours in class without breaks faced more posture troubles. Those who skipped warm-ups before gym or sports got hurt more often and took longer to heal. The study also noted how heavy school bags add to the stress on the spine. Teachers admitted that with packed timetables, there is little scope for stretch breaks, but experts now say even two minutes of standing up between lessons can make a difference.
What Can Help
The study is a wake-up call. The slouch-sit-scroll lifestyle isn't just a habit. It's a health risk. Without action now, today's teens face lasting damage as they grow into adults with chronic pain and limited movement. Experts warn that the choice is clear: change daily routines today or pay the price tomorrow.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!