An overlooked aspect of of Netiquette and children's computer education are Ergonomics. Part of Netiquette are good habits to promote optimal health performance and temperament. It is the educators and parents who have the responsibility to provide the appropriate environment. .
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Advice For
Parents:
Children Need to Practice Good Computer Ergonomics, Too
Children Need to Practice Good Computer Ergonomics, Too
From acatoday.org
At least 70 percent of America's 30
million elementary school students use computers, according to a recent New
York Times article. As a result of this increased usage, doctors of
chiropractic are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of
working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or poorly
designed for children. Many children are already suffering from repetitive motion
injuries (RMI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands,
back, neck and shoulders.
A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40 percent of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating "some concern."
"Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations," stated Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Occupational Health. "Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a child's body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. Parents need to be just as concerned about their children's interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their children's long-term health," added Dr. Bautch.
What can you do?
To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its Council on Occupational Health offer the following tips:
A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40 percent of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating "some concern."
"Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations," stated Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Occupational Health. "Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a child's body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. Parents need to be just as concerned about their children's interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their children's long-term health," added Dr. Bautch.
What can you do?
To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its Council on Occupational Health offer the following tips:
- If
children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make
certain that the workstation can be modified for each child's use.
- Position
the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below the child's
eye level. This can be accomplished by taking the computer off its base or
stand, or having the child sit on firm pillows or phone books to reach the
desired height.
- Make
sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. An ergonomic
back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel can be placed in the small of
the child's back for added back support. There should be two inches
between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The chair
should have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70- to
135-degree angle to the computer keyboard.
- Wrists
should be held in a neutral position while typing - not angled up or down.
The mousing surface should be close to the keyboard so your child doesn't
have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.
- The child's knees should be positioned at an approximate 90- to 120-degree angle. To accomplish this angle, feet can be placed on a foot rest, box, stool or similar object.
- Reduce
eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting and that there is no
glare on the monitor screen. Use an antiglare screen if necessary.
- Limit
your child's time at the computer and make sure he or she takes periodic
stretch breaks during computing time. Stretches can include: clenching
hands into fists and moving them in 10 circles inward and 10 circles
outward; placing hands in a praying position and squeezing them together
for 10 seconds and then pointing them downward and squeezing them together
for 10 seconds; spreading fingers apart and then closing them one by one;
standing and wrapping arms around the body and turning all the way to the
left and then all the way to the right.
- Your
child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury.
Encourage your child to drink four 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Carbonated beverages, juices and other sweet drinks are not a substitute.
- Urge your child's school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations.
"If your child continues to complain of pain and strain
from sitting at a computer, see a doctor of chiropractic," urges Dr.
Bautch. "A chiropractor can help alleviate your child's pain and help
prevent further injury."
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