"Addressing Tech Neck and Scoliosis in Students"... An Minseok Announces Comprehensive Correct Posture Plan

An Minseok, Unified Candidate for Superintendent of Gyeonggi Education

Policy Committee Announces Comprehensive Plan for Systematic Management of Students’ Spinal Health

AI Posture Diagnosis and Voucher Support... Managing Tech Neck and Scoliosis

Introducing Ergonomic Desks and Standing Desks... Improving Classroom Environments in the Digital Age

On May 9, the policy committee for An Minseok, Superintendent of Gyeonggi Education and the unified candidate for the Democratic and Progressive parties, abruptly announced a comprehensive ‘Correct Posture Plan’ to protect students' spinal health, which is being threatened by the increased use of digital devices.

An Minseok, Superintendent of Gyeonggi Education, and the Democratic-Progressive Unified Candidate Policy Committee on the 9th urgently announced a comprehensive 'Correct Posture Policy' to protect students' spinal health threatened by increased use of digital devices. Photo provided by candidate An Minseok

The core of this plan is to establish an all-around care system under the slogan “Straighten Students’ Backs, Boost Their Confidence,” with a three-stage process: diagnosis, prevention, and post-care.

As a first step, the policy committee will fully introduce on-site ‘spinal health screenings’ at schools. In cooperation with specialized institutions at the education support office level, mobile examination vehicles will be deployed to conduct initial checks for spinal deformities among students.

In addition, AI-powered posture analysis kiosks will be installed in school health offices. Through these kiosks, students will be able to continuously measure indicators such as shoulder imbalance and forward head posture (tech neck) angles, and monitor changes in their body shape using data.

Preventive measures to improve classroom environments will also be pursued. The distribution of adjustable ergonomic desks and chairs, which can be tailored to students’ body types, will be expanded, and ‘eye-level tablet stands’ will be provided to prevent students from lowering their heads while using tablets.

To reduce the spinal burden caused by prolonged sitting, ‘standing desks’ will be installed at the back of classrooms, creating standing study spaces that can be used by students as needed.

For post-care, the Gyeonggi-style Correct Posture Growth Voucher will be introduced. Students diagnosed with moderate or severe scoliosis or forward head posture will be provided with ‘spinal health care vouchers’ that can be used at designated medical institutions and rehabilitation or exercise therapy centers. Additionally, after-school programs such as posture-correcting Pilates will be operated to establish a system for ongoing management.

An Minseok stated, “As digital education environments have become a part of daily life, student health management must also be approached in new ways,” adding, “We will systematically manage students’ spinal health data and establish a Gyeonggi-style student health index.”

He further emphasized, “When students’ backs are straightened, the future of Gyeonggi will also stand tall. Gyeonggi Education will take full responsibility and provide support so that students can grow up with healthy bodies and correct posture.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.