Alexander Technique helps kids who spend hours playing games

The Alexander Technique is a practical way of improving posture by restoring natural, easy posture and functioning and the proper balance and coordination of the head and spine. It reduces pain and undoes tension and stress. It’s a great leveller: creating self-awareness and development and improving overall wellbeing. The earlier a child learns it the better they can prevent problems in later life.

The STAT survey demonstrated that:
• 85 per cent of children (who are allowed to play games on such devices) spend up to four hours a day doing so.
• 78 per cent of parents are concerned about their child’s posture while playing such games.
• Parents are concerned that gaming and computer use affects their child’s wellbeing with lack of concentration (32.4 per cent), back ache (30.9 per cent), neck ache (26.2 per cent) and headache (31 per cent) all highlighted.

Angela East, of STAT, says: ‘Bad habits can be formed from a very young age which later lead to posture, mobility and other health problems in later life. The Alexander Technique is a great tool – it teaches you how to use yourself correctly so that you benefit from less stress and back pain and improved posture and wellbeing.

‘The key is to encourage good posture and sitting among our children and young people and the Alexander Technique helps prevent bad habits, such as hunching and slouching, from creeping in and affecting their health.
‘It’s not about stopping children from gaming and going on computers altogether, but they can do it equipped with tools and strategies designed to maintain good posture and therefore, good health.’

The technique was developed in the 1890s by Frederick Alexander, an Australian actor who was worried his hoarse voice would end his career. He discovered how to reduce tension and strain and allow his vocal organs to function well again – a principle that applies to the whole person, physically, mentally and emotionally.

STAT teachers across the UK are taking part in International Alexander Awareness Week (8th to October) and free introductory Alexander Technique lessons are available. The survey involved 975 parents across the UK whose children are allowed to play on gaming devices. To find your nearest STAT teacher go to www.stat.org.uk
Read also our A-Z of Therapies.