Children at Computers

In a typical Canadian school, computers and keyboards are set up on table tops. Students sit in all-purpose plastic school chairs - often with elbows and wrists at awkward angles, and poor posture. The ergonomics is not much better at home computers, where children surf the Internet or play games for hours every week.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are the scourge of the computerized workplace. Workers can develop chronic pain from using computers if work stations are set up without proper attention to ergonomics. A small change, such as re-positioning the screen or keyboard, or using an adjustable chair, can often eliminate the problem.

More and more children are suffering musculoskeletal injuries related to computer use. The long-term effects of these RSIs on children are unknown, including possible impacts on spine or wrist development. In the absence of research specific to children, the Canada Safety Council advises the use of workplace ergonomic guidelines with computers in schools and homes.