Evidence-based guidelines for the wise use of computers by children: Physical development guidelines

Abstract

Computer use by children is common and there is concern over the potential impact of this exposure on child physical development. Recently principles for child-specific evidence-based guidelines for wise use of computers have been published and these included one concerning the facilitation of appropriate physical development. This paper reviews the evidence and presents detailed guidelines for this principle. The guidelines include encouraging a mix of sedentary and whole body movement tasks, encouraging reasonable postures during computing tasks through workstation, chair, desk, display and input device selection and adjustment and special issues regarding notebook computer use and carriage, computing skills and responding to discomfort. The evidence limitations highlight opportunities for future research. The guidelines themselves can inform parents and teachers, equipment designers and suppliers and form the basis of content for teaching children the wise use of computers. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Many children use computers and computer-use habits formed in childhood may track into adulthood. Therefore child-computer interaction needs to be carefully managed. These guidelines inform those responsible for children to assist in the wise use of computers.

Posture, Musculoskeletal Activities, and Possible Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Children Using Laptops or Tablet Computers for Educational Purposes: A Literature Review

“…However, as mentioned above, if not used with an external keyboard and mouse, the evidence-based guidelines offered do not specifically apply for laptop and tablet computers. Straker et al (2010) published children-specific evidence-based physical guidelines for the wise use of computers aiming to facilitate appropriate physical development of children. The recommended guidelines are based on a literature review regarding the physical aspects of child-computer interaction.…”

Managing children's postural risk when using mobile technology at home: Challenges and strategies

“…Several studies report associations between ICT use in children and adolescents and musculoskeletal discomfort (B elanger et al, 2011;Hakala et al, 2006;Jacobs and Baker, 2002;Straker et al, 2008;Straker et al, 2011), which are similar to those observed among adult computer users in vocational settings (Gerr et al, 2004). Given that children are still developing physically, there is reasonable concern regarding the long term impact of such exposure on their musculoskeletal health (B elanger et al, 2011;Jacobs and Baker, 2002;Straker et al, 2009).…”

“…It requires children and their parents to determine the risk specific to the situation. Guidelines for principles of healthy use of technologies among children have been published in recent years (Straker et al, 2009), but it is necessary to translate these ergonomics principles into accessible language that families can apply to their own situations. The first author has, at the request of school administrators, presented a series of workshops for teachers, school children and their parents that have focussed on how to identify risky postures and strategies to minimise postural discomfort.…”

Pengaruh Keergonomisan Stasiun Komputer Game Net Pada Risiko Gangguan Otot-Rangka

“…Penelitian terkait dengan stasiun kerja komputer ergonomis untuk anak-anak telah dilakukan oleh beberapa peneliti terdahulu, seperti studi antropometri stasiun komputer untuk anak-anak sekolah dasar (Oyewole dkk., 2010), studi pengujian kesesuaian antara dimensi stasiun komputer dengan dimensi tubuh anak-anak (Yanto dkk., 2017;Castellucci dkk., 2010;Castellucci., 2017), studi identifikasi kesesuaian dimensi stasiun komputer dengan tubuh anak-anak disertai rekomendasi acuan pengukuran antropometri (Dianat dkk., 2013), dan studi mengenai pengaruh penggunaan stasiun kerja ergonomis pada gejala kelainan sistem otot rangka anak-anak sekolah dasar (Saarni dkk., 2015). Namun sayangnya, masih sedikit penelitian yang membahas dampak ketidakergonomisan stasiun kerja komputer anak-anak (Straker, 2010), khususnya game net yang semakin menjamur di Indonesia.…”