Why Posture Matters: Ergonomic Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Students

 

Recently, we sat down with physiotherapist and posture advocate Ally Reynolds to talk all things spinal health, kids and technology, and how we can all build better posture habits in a screen-heavy world.

Whether you're a digital nomad, a teacher, a parent, or a student, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you interact with your tech.

Meet Ally: A Physio on a Mission

Ally Reynolds is a Canberra-based physiotherapist with over 18 years of experience, two young boys, and a growing passion for helping the next generation develop healthy postural habits.

“I’m focused on educating schools, kids, and parents about ergonomics…Because while technology evolves fast, posture education hasn’t kept up, and that’s affecting the way our kids grow.”

 

 

Why Early Posture Education Matters?

Kids as young as four are now using tablets and laptops daily, but with little to no ergonomic education. Ally explains:

“Our spines are supposed to grow with an ‘S’ curve. But increasingly, I’m seeing children and teenagers with what’s now dubbed ‘tech neck’ or even ‘nerd neck’—a flattened or forward curve caused by poor posture.”

The issue? Once vertebrae fuse in early adulthood, reversing those changes becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible.

 

 

The Simple Fix: Elevate and Externalise

One of the easiest and most effective changes is correcting the “laptop-on-desk” setup. Ally calls it the “Laptop Syndrome.” Her solution?

• Raise the laptop to eye level
• Use an external keyboard and mouse
• Choose compact accessories to reduce strain

The Nexstand laptop stand ticks all these boxes, and with lightweight portability, it’s perfect for growing kids and mobile workers alike.

“You need to split your setup. A laptop stand, keyboard, and mouse are non-negotiables.”

 

For Teens and Tweens: Posture Tips That Work

If your child already shows signs of poor posture, it’s not too late to intervene. Here are Ally’s top quick wins:

• Encourage them to hold phones at eye level
• Invest in a compact keyboard + mouse (yes, even a fun, colourful one!)
• Use books or a Nexstand to raise laptop screens
• Avoid working from beds, laps, or couches whenever possible
• Prioritise movement: stand, stretch, or walk every 30 minutes
  
  

“Even just using a mouse instead of a trackpad can significantly reduce shoulder and wrist strain”

 

The Ergonomics Teachers Deserve

Teachers are often overlooked when it comes to workplace ergonomics—despite spending hours hunched over student desks or marking at home.

“Teachers don’t see themselves as office workers, but they are, they need proper workstations too.”

Nexstand stands are lightweight and adjustable—perfect for mobile teaching setups and shared staff rooms. Ally’s mission? Get a Nexstand into every teacher’s hands.

 

Let Kids Move: Wobble Stools and Sit-Stand Desks

Ally is also a fan of active seating—like wobble stools—for fidgety learners. And she strongly recommends sit-stand desks for growing children.

“Kids should move while they learn. It helps oxygenate the brain and encourages better focus.”

She suggests investing early in a sit-stand desk that can adjust as your child grows. Brands like Desky (in Australia) offer child-sized options.

 

Don’t Forget Sleep Ergonomics

Posture matters at night, too. Ally recommends ergonomic pillows for kids to support their necks during sleep—something standard pillows often neglect.

“Spinal alignment doesn’t stop when the laptop closes. Good sleep posture is part of the full-body approach.”

 

20-20-20 Rule and Screen Breaks

Ally shared the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 metres away (or blink 20 times). It's great for your eyes and your concentration.

Another tip?

Don’t swap laptop time for phone time. It’s still a screen—and still contributing to posture strain.

 

Prevent Injuries Before They Start

If you use a mouse daily (especially if you’re petite or pregnant), Ally recommends switching to a vertical mouse to prevent carpal tunnel issues. Prevention, she says, is easier than recovery.

“I’d love to see every woman and every child using a vertical mouse—it’s a simple switch with huge benefits.”

 

The Bigger Vision

Ally’s goal for 2025 and beyond? Get spinal health and ergonomic education into every school curriculum.

“We’re putting screens in front of kids as early as four—but giving them no education around it. That has to change.”

With help from brands like Nexstand, she’s on a mission to empower kids, teachers, and parents with the knowledge, and tools, to protect their posture for life.

 

Ready to Upgrade Your Setup?

Why Investing in a Nexstand Is a No-Brainer…

If there’s one thing this conversation made clear, it’s that posture isn’t just about comfort—it’s about long-term health. Whether you're a student in school, a teacher on the move, or a remote worker chasing productivity, small ergonomic upgrades can have a big impact.

The Nexstand laptop stand is more than just a tool—it’s a foundational part of creating a posture-friendly, pain-free environment. Lightweight, height-adjustable, and incredibly portable, it’s built to grow with you, or your child, through every stage of work and learning.

So if you haven’t made the switch yet, now’s the time.
Your spine will thank you.