Kuala lumpur: Handing a smartphone or tablet to a child has become an easy solution for many parents, whether to keep them entertained while waiting for food at restaurants, during long journeys, or to stop a tantrum. But prolonged and repeated use of smart devices can lead to unwanted consequences. Text neck syndrome, a condition once associated with adults who spend long hours working on computers, is now becoming more common among children. According to BERNAMA News Agency, text neck syndrome occurs when the neck is repeatedly bent forward or protrudes beyond the normal shoulder alignment while using digital devices for extended periods. Medical experts warn that the condition can affect children as young as six if parents continue allowing unrestricted use of smartphones and tablets. Dr. S. Jaya Thilak, a consultant orthopaedic and spine surgeon at Ipoh Specialist Hospital, has noted an alarming rise in cases among young children. Dr. Jaya explained that device addiction is a key factor contributing to text neck syndrome. Children and adults alike often maintain a head-down posture for prolonged periods due to the addictive nature of smartphones and social media algorithms. Unlike television viewing, which encourages eye and body movement, smartphones keep users engrossed in continuous scrolling. The strain of poor posture while using smart devices can lead to significant health issues. Dr. Jaya highlighted that even using a smartphone for more than 30 minutes with the neck bent forward could increase the risk of neck stiffness and postural problems. The increased load on the neck from poor posture can accelerate the degeneration of spinal structures, potentially leading to chronic neck pain and other complications. Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Loh Choong Sing, medical director at Quill Ipoh Orthopaedic Hospital, advises maintaining an upright head and neck posture while holding devices at eye level. He emphasizes the importance of taking regular breaks and performing light stretching exercises to m itigate the risks of text neck syndrome. Lifestyle modification and physiotherapy are considered primary treatments for text neck syndrome. Dr. Loh noted that physiotherapists play a crucial role in educating patients on proper posture and device usage. Dr. Jaya also recommended collaboration between government ministries to enhance public awareness and preventive education efforts. While Malaysia lacks comprehensive national data on text neck syndrome, international studies indicate a significant prevalence of neck pain among regular smartphone users. Dr. Jaya mentioned a study at the International Islamic University Malaysia, which found a strong association between smartphone addiction and neck pain among university students. In light of increasing digitalisation in education, Dr. Jaya advocates for practical guidance on healthy device use in schools. Educational initiatives should focus on safe digital habits and proper ergonomics to prevent text neck syndrome while supporting digital learning goals. T he Ministry of Health's scoliosis awareness programs in Ipoh schools could serve as a model for similar initiatives targeting text neck syndrome awareness.