You are currently viewing Posture Wellbeing in the Classroom

Posture Wellbeing in the Classroom

Our posture is the structural expression of the state of our wellbeing, and is inevitably linked to other health factors within the body. However, many modern classroom practices unintentionally compromise students’ postural health. In this article, we delve into some key factors of postural alignment, emphasising the importance of addressing these challenges through a student-centric lens to foster healthier habits and outcomes.

Screen Time and Posture

Students are spending more and more time using digital devices, both in and outside of school – it is both the progressive and degressive aspect of our digital age. Studies reveal that 8 to 12-year-olds spend an average of 5.5 hours daily on screens, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 average 8.5 hours, marking a significant rise compared to pre-2020 figures (1).

Furthermore, when we look down, for instance, at a laptop or tablet placed on a desk or in our lap, our head tilts forward by approximately 10-15 degrees. While the average human head weighs about 12 pounds – a weight that the spine, neck, and shoulders can comfortably support when held upright – this weight effectively doubles with the added gravitational force from the downward angle. The steeper the tilt, the greater the strain placed on the spine and surrounding muscles, amplifying the burden significantly (2,3).

While students’ head may weigh less, their spines, muscles and musculo-connective tissues are still developing which means they are likely to be impacted by the strain much quicker. With this, of course comes the upside – in that because young bodies are still developing, structural misalignments are also much more easily corrected since they have not had much time to become deeply set into the tissues.

Simple solutions to this can include educating students about the importance of elevating devices to eye level using tools like tablet stands, laptop risers, or even a stack of books. Introducing ergonomic furniture can also significantly reduce structural pressures and doesn’t need to be costly. For example, cushions can support the lumbar discs preserving the natural serpentine curvature of the spine; while choosing adequate armrests help maintain a neutral position for the head and neck minimising strain. Additionally, seating that ensures at least a 90-degree angle between the thighs and calves helps alleviate knee pressure and promotes overall alignment (4).

Everyday Postural Challenges

Beyond the effects of technology and prolonged sitting, other habits such as carrying heavy backpacks and improper walking patterns also exacerbate poor posture. The physiological benefits from greater structural awareness of the body can support relaxation, increase nutrient flow to the brain, support nervous system flow, enhance breathing and lung capacity, minimise wear on joints – as well as improve more obvious structural misalignments.

At Vibrant Health Education (VHE), we prioritise teaching students to recognise and address these issues early, adopting integrated and applied health-building strategies. Our approach is based on interacting feedback loops, where improved posture not only enhances systemic health but also reinforces better postural habits, creating a positive cycle. This empowers students to understand that physical misalignments – such as a hunched back or raised shoulders – are not merely postural concerns but also significantly impact factors such as cognitive vitality, psychological integrity, emotional stability among many other critical aspects of overall health.

Posture meets Composure

Delving deeper, notable differences and overlay between the structural foundation of posture and the somatopsycho-emotional compound of ‘composure’, is one of intricate relevance. This relationship underscores the deeper significance of alignment – not just in the physical sense but as a holistic framework influencing the mind, body and emotions. Composure, is typically understood as the physical expression of being calm and balanced in feelings, emotions and behaviours, so therefore, the two ideas are inextricably linked. Think of posture as the body’s frame and composure as the energy flowing within it; together, they shape how we present ourselves to the world and how we respond to it.

An open, upright posture naturally boosts confidence and signals self-assurance, while a slouched stance can heighten feelings of stress or insecurity. By helping students understand this powerful connection, we empower them to see their bodies not just as vessels of movement but as tools for psycho-emotional regulation, strength and resilience.

At Vibrant Health Education, we go beyond teaching posture as a simple health practice; we see it as a pathway to deeper self-awareness. Through a psychosomatic lens and the timeless wisdom of Heraclitus’ Panta Rei (“everything flows”), we inspire students to view their posture as a dynamic reflection of their inner state. Postural awareness thereby becomes much more than avoiding aches and pains but takes each student on a journey toward understanding their bodies on a deeper level and with that the chance to really become autonomous with their thoughts, feelings and actions!

Follow us #vibranthealthedu to learn more about our work and support us in bringing applied health-building strategies to classrooms everywhere. Together, we can build a future where every student stands tall – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

#vhedu


References:

1 Common Sense. (2021). The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/8-18-census-integrated-report-final-web_0.pdf

2 Hansraj, KK. (2014). Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head. Surgery Technological International. Retreived from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25393825/

3 The Guardian. (2014). Text neck: how smartphones are damaging our spines. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2014/nov/24/text-neck-how-smartphones-damaging-our-spines

4 UCLA Health. (n.d.). Ergonomics: Prolonged Sitting and Spinal Health. Retrieved from https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/spine/patient-resources/ergonomics-prolonged-sitting.

Leave a Reply