If you’ve ever looked at your child slouched on the couch or collapsed into a chair, shoulders rounded, head dropped forward, iPad or phone balanced on their lap or held close to their face and wondered, “Is this doing damage to their body?” … you’re not alone.
My name is Megan. I’ve been an Osteopath for over 20 years, working across sporting teams, private practice and aged care. I’d describe myself as a generalist Osteo – someone who has spent decades treating and managing low back pain, tendinopathy, and a wide range of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions across all ages and stages of life.
I’m also a mum.
I have two sporty boys (6 and 11), and like many families, our weeks are filled with training sessions, games, homework and of course… screen time.
Which brings me to one of the most common questions parents ask me:
“Should I be worried about my child’s posture?”
The Short Answer?
Sometimes – but not always.
There are many reasons children and teenagers may look rounded, asymmetrical or awkward in their posture particularly between the ages of 11–17, when growth and development are happening rapidly.
Rather than worrying, I think it’s more helpful to understand:
why posture changes during these years
what’s considered normal
what’s worth investigating
and how to support your child without turning posture into a daily battle
What Does “Perfect” Posture Actually Look Like?
The reality is – there is no single “perfect” posture.
Postural variation in children and teens is influenced by many factors, including:
activity levels
age and gender
confidence and body awareness
height and weight
seating at school and at home
the weight and fit of their school bag
rapid growth spurts
amount of screen time
natural body type and joint mobility
underlying spinal or developmental conditions
A rounded-shoulder, forward-head posture is something I see daily in clinic. It is rarely caused by just one thing.
Posture is only one piece of information, it contributes to a bigger clinical picture, but on its own it is not a diagnosis.
When Is It Worth Getting Your Child’s Posture Checked?
There are some warning signs that suggest posture may be more than just a phase and worth being assessed by an Osteopath or other health professional:
ongoing spinal pain
one shoulder consistently higher than the other
visible spinal curves or rib asymmetry
frequent headaches
fatigue with sitting or standing
pain during or after sport
knees collapsing inward
posture that continues to worsen even after growth settles
If something doesn’t sit right with you as a parent, that instinct matters.
You know your child better than anyone. If you feel something isn’t quite right, it’s always worth seeking professional advice.
Common Postural & Growth-Related Issues I See in Tweens & Teens
Rounded Shoulders / Forward Head Posture
Often linked to growth spurts, screen use and muscle imbalance. This can usually be improved with the right combination of movement, strength and stretching.
Scheuermann’s Disease
A condition affecting spinal growth during adolescence, often resulting in a more pronounced upper-back curve.
Scoliosis
A sideways curve of the spine that may become more noticeable during growth spurts.
Hypermobility & Ectomorphic Body Types
Some children are naturally very flexible and lightly built, which can affect postural control and endurance.
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
More common in sporty adolescents, particularly those involved in extension-based sports such as gymnastics and dance.
Growth Spurts
Bones grow quickly, while muscles and tendons often lag behind — leading to tightness, awkward movement and postural changes.
Cervical Lordosis & Headaches
Forward head posture can contribute to neck strain and headaches in some teenagers.
What Does the Evidence Say?
A study published in October 2024 investigated 134 children aged 5–18 who were identified as having postural defects. Researchers assessed potential risk factors using surveys, physical examinations and blood tests.
The study found that many children (particularly boys) showed links between postural issues and several lifestyle factors, including:
prolonged sitting at non-ergonomic school desks
carrying backpacks asymmetrically
spending more time on electronic devices than in physical activity
nutritionally inadequate diets. Deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium and magnesium were also shown to accelerate the progression of postural defects.
What I Encourage Parents to Focus On
Rather than trying to “fix” posture, I recommend focusing on:
Encouraging a variety of movement
Limiting long periods of sitting
Building core and shoulder strength
Watching school bag weight and desk ergonomics
Supporting a healthy, balanced diet
No chair or desk can fix posture on its own but good ergonomics, regular movement and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce unnecessary strain while kids grow.
I also completely understand that constantly saying “sit up straight” as a parent has minimal effect, so like many parenting challenges it is supporting, modelling and encouraging our kids to have the have self-awareness to make positive lifestyle choices to support a healthy body and mind.
The Takeaway for Parents
Posture in children and teens isn’t about perfection.
It’s about function, comfort and resilience during a time of enormous physical change.
Most kids don’t need constant correcting.
Some kids need support.
And a small number benefit from early assessment and medical intervention.
If you’re unsure – that’s okay. Getting informed, asking questions and seeking the right advice is often the best first step.
The good news? Kids respond quickly.
Their posture habits aren’t as ingrained as adults’, and their bodies are far more adaptable. When issues are identified early, you’re not correcting years of compensation – you’re simply guiding the body back toward better, more functional movement patterns.
Megan Kenney
Osteopath
