In fact, it seems a vicious circle around a sedentary lifestyle – kids are spending less time exercising, more time sitting and using computers, the weight makes the extra computer use more likely to cause back pain, which makes them feel even less inclined to exercise.

A recent survey found that 45% of UK 11-18 year olds suffer back pain each year. That rose from 29% in an identical survey in 2002. What’s changed in the meantime? An increase in computer use and obesity – in particular, the rise of social networking has meant even cool kids spend hours at their computers.

The solution – more exercise, obviously, but also to improve your kids’ posture at the computer, and make sure they get up from time to time and move around. If you want help encouraging them on this front, take the 30 day free trial of PostureMinder – award-winning software developed to treat and prevent back pain, RSI and other computer-related health problems.