In today’s digital world, children often spend more time in front of screens than outdoors, which can negatively affect their physical development. Balancing screen time with active play is essential to build strong bones and muscles during these critical growth years. Parents and teachers should encourage healthy habits to support childhood orthopedic health and overall well-being.
The Importance of Physical Activity for Growing Bones and Muscles
Bone and muscle development in childhood lays the foundation for lifelong health. Regular physical activity stimulates bone growth, increases muscle strength, and improves coordination. Being active in sports improves bone and muscle health which in turn minimizes imbalances that can lead to injury.
Risks of Excessive Screen Time on Musculoskeletal Health
Prolonged screen time often means extended periods of sitting, which can limit physical activity and contribute to poor posture, muscle weakness, and delayed motor skill development. Excessive sedentary behavior is linked to lower bone mineral density in children and increases the risk of obesity, which further strains growing joints and muscles.
Encouraging Active Play: Tips for Families
Integrating more playtime into daily routines doesn’t require drastic changes. Simple strategies include setting screen time limits, scheduling regular outdoor activities, and encouraging unstructured play, which allows children to use creativity and develop different muscle groups. Family walks, bike rides, and playground visits are fun ways to boost activity levels.
Balancing Technology with Healthy Habits
Technology doesn’t need to be the enemy. Educational apps or active gaming that involves movement can complement physical play. The key is intentional use of devices without replacing time that children should spend running, jumping, and building strength through varied activities.
Consult a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist
If your child has suffered an injury or fracture playing sports, get advanced treatment from an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist that treats children, teens and adolescents. A pediatric orthopedic specialist can provide an early evaluation and guidance to address underlying musculoskeletal issues such as growth plate injuries and promote healthy growth patterns.
If your child or teen has difficulty keeping up with peers during physical activities, complains of persistent joint or muscle pain, or has abnormal posture, the team at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute can help.
Building strong bones and muscles in childhood requires more than just good nutrition; it requires movement, play, and balance. By setting limits on screen time and encouraging active play, parents can support lifelong orthopedic health.
About the Author
Raman P. Singh, DO, is a highly experienced board-certified pediatric sports medicine physician. His practice focuses on sports injuries, fracture care, concussion management, non-operative regenerative techniques, and management of pediatric scoliosis.
