Bermudian entrepreneur Antonia Holder is on a mission to combat “tech neck” in children with her innovative iPad case, DigiRoo. Inspired by teh growing concern over the negative impact of devices on posture, Holder created DigiRoo to provide ergonomic support and reduce neck strain.
Holder’s journey began after listening to a podcast by Dr. Allyson Coffin, a chiropractor in Maine, who discussed the alarming trend of “tails” – bony growths on the back of teenagers’ necks caused by prolonged downward head movement while using devices. This resonated deeply with Holder, who had already developed DigiRoo as a solution to this very problem.
“I reached out to [Dr.Coffin] because I heard her on a podcast that I follow.She was talking about how she’s seen some teenagers who have what she called ‘tails’ on the back of their neck,” Holder explained. “As much research as I have done, I had never heard of a tail before. But all that simply means is there’s been bone progress on the back of kids’ necks because of the downward head movement.”
Holder’s dedication to improving children’s posture led her to donate 60 DigiRoo cases to Mabel I Wilson Elementary School in Cumberland, Maine, were Dr.Coffin’s daughter attends. The positive response from teachers Jenna Burke and phyllis Jones was overwhelming.
“The DigiRoo cases have been a fantastic addition to our first-grade classrooms.They are incredibly easy to use, and we’ve noticed a significant difference in how engaged the students are during tech-based activities. The design helps reduce neck strain,which means the kids can focus on their tasks for longer periods without discomfort.”
Holder’s vision extends beyond individual sales. She is committed to making DigiRoo accessible to schools worldwide, recognizing the crucial role education plays in promoting healthy habits. while DigiRoo is currently available through Amazon, Holder actively seeks partnerships to facilitate wider distribution within educational institutions.
“The reality is a go-to-market strategy in the US is challenging, and if you don’t have the right partners and the right investment, what you can do is limited, and I think that we’ve done a great job with the resources that we have, in trying to move DigiRoo forward and get it into the hands where it’s going to serve the greatest value,” Holder said.
With its unique design and focus on children’s well-being, DigiRoo is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against tech neck, empowering a new generation to engage with technology in a healthier and more sustainable way.
Bermuda is grappling with the growing impact of technology on its youngest generation, and Antonia Holder, founder of Kids Digital Wellness, is leading the charge to equip parents and educators with the tools they need to navigate this digital age.
Tonight, Holder is hosting a free screening of the documentary Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition at Warwick Academy, followed by a panel discussion featuring local experts Shawnee Basden, an adolescent mental health expert, and Caroline Roque, a pediatric physiotherapist. The event aims to shed light on the latest research and provide practical advice for fostering “digital wellbeing” among Bermuda’s youth.
“We’re not just selling the product, we are trying to provide resources and tools for parents and educators and children to better understand the impact of technology,” Holder explained.”Part of my mission is to help us understand the impact of technology from an early age. Because there’s a lot of talk about teenagers and social media, but the reality is, eight-year-olds now have smartphones. And they talk about that in the film.”
The documentary, part of a series by Delaney Ruston exploring the effects of technology on children’s development and mental health, highlights the challenges educators face in a world where even elementary school students are constantly connected. “The new challenge for the teachers is that they have to battle with smartwatches, which have games on them ― you can send messages; you can get on your socials,” Holder noted.
holder emphasizes the importance of balance,recognizing that technology is an integral part of modern life. “I advocate for a balance. I don’t say screen time is bad and don’t do it, we should avoid it at all costs ― that would be doing our children and the next generation a disservice. But we really have to get the knowledge we need as parents and educators to help guide and shepherd the kids so that they can have a balanced approach,” she said.
Defining “excessive” screen time is a complex issue, as Holder points out. While the customary benchmark of eight hours online has evolved, a US study found that 50% of teenagers now pick up their phones “almost constantly.” Holder suggests that any amount of screen time that interferes with a child’s ability to complete schoolwork or daily responsibilities can be considered excessive.
“If you’re on the phone or iPad when you come home from school for three hours and can’t do your schoolwork – that’s excessive. If you’re watching movies for 12 hours on a weekend, both days, and you’re not going outside and you’re not exercising, you’re not spending time with your friends and family, that’s excessive. But right now, the norm, according to the surveys, is kids are spending upwards of five hours consuming digital media a day,” she explained.
holder’s free screening and panel discussion offer a valuable prospect for the Bermuda community to engage in a crucial conversation about the impact of technology on children and to learn strategies for promoting healthy digital habits.
Join Antonia Holder, founder of Kids Digital Wellness, at Warwick Academy tonight from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm for a free screening of the documentary, Screenagers: elementary School age Edition, and a panel discussion featuring Ms. Holder, Shawnee Basden, an adolescent mental health expert, and Caroline Roque, a pediatric physiotherapist. Refreshments will be provided. For more information visit kidsdigitalwellness.com.
## Tech Neck in Kids: An Interview With Antonia Holder,Creator of DigiRoo
**World Today News:** Antonia,thank you so much for joining us today to talk about DigiRoo and your mission to combat “tech neck” in children.
**Antonia Holder:** It’s a pleasure to be here.I’m passionate about helping kids develop healthy habits with technology, and DigiRoo is a crucial part of that.
**World Today News:** Your journey began after listening to a podcast by Dr.Allyson Coffin, a chiropractor who spoke about the alarming trend of “tails” – bony growths on the back of teenagers’ necks caused by prolonged downward head movement while using devices.Can you tell us more about that?
**Antonia Holder:** Absolutely.Dr. Coffin’s words really hit home. I had already developed DigiRoo to address the growing problem of poor posture in kids who use tablets, but hearing her talk about these “tails” – which are literally bony growths caused by excessive screen time – reinforced the urgency of my mission. It’s a stark reminder of the physical toll that technology overuse can take on young bodies.
**World Today News:** Could you elaborate on DigiRoo’s design and how it helps reduce neck strain?
**Antonia Holder:** DigiRoo is an iPad case designed with ergonomics in mind.It features a raised platform that angles the iPad upwards, encouraging a more natural, upright posture while children are using it. This helps prevent that classic “tech neck” hunch and promotes better spinal alignment.
**World Today News:** It’s inspiring to hear that you’ve donated DigiRoo cases to Mabel I Wilson Elementary School in Cumberland, Maine. What was the response like from teachers and students?
**Antonia Holder:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers Jenna Burke and Phyllis Jones reported seeing significant improvements in student engagement and focus during tech-based activities. The children are more pleasant, and they can concentrate for longer periods without discomfort.
**World Today news:** Beyond individual sales, you’ve expressed a strong commitment to making DigiRoo accessible to schools worldwide. Why is this so crucial to you?
**Antonia Holder:** I believe that promoting healthy technology habits starts in the classroom. By equipping schools with DigiRoo cases,we can help instill good posture practices from a young age,setting kids up for a lifetime of digital wellness.
**World Today news:** You’re also organizing a screening of the documentary “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition” in Bermuda, followed by a panel discussion. Could you tell us more about this event?
**Antonia Holder:** We’re trying to create a community conversation around digital wellness. “Screenagers” is a powerful film that sheds light on the impact of technology on children, and our panel discussion will feature local experts who will offer practical advice for parents and educators.
**World Today News:** Antonia, thank you for sharing your insights and your dedication to addressing this important issue.
**Antonia Holder:** It’s my pleasure. Let’s work together to empower the next generation to embrace technology in a healthy and sustainable way.
