by the Editor     As parents, we may not be too concerned with our kids riding bikes in the backyard without a helmet but would insist on one if they were to go out on the road, and we need to apply these same principles to laptop use. Physical problems can result as our children spend more time on their laptops.

Rick Clancy, Principal Consultant with ErgoAustralia, says that: "It’s fine to jump on the laptop for a few minutes to check messages but if your child is using it for any length of time ensure they have the correct equipment and understand how to use it.  Computers were a novelty for our generation but for our kids they are a way of life and we are yet to see how the effects of laptop use will impact on their growing muscles and bones over time," he says.

Parents are being warned by numerous experts that laptop computers may be causing physical problems for their children.  The warning is contained in new guidelines around the use of computers by children.

The set of 12 evidence-based guidelines — the first of their kind — was produced by an international team of experts led by Professor Leon Straker, of Curtin University of Technology’s School of Physiotherapy.  The team, with representatives from Harvard University, the University of Queensland and the University of Washington, has researched the guidelines for more than 10 years.

Professor Straker said the Federal Government’s initiative to give students a laptop computer can have significant ramifications for children’s musculoskeletal wellbeing.  “With more children using laptop computers, parents and teachers should be wary about the weight of the laptop computer being provided to children and also how they will be carrying it,” he said.  “A lightweight laptop is important and a comfortable backpack with two straps should to be used when carrying it.”

Professor Straker said external devices like keyboards and mice should be provided to children using laptop computers at their desks, and they should be taught proper posture when using their laptops.

“What we have found is that children only use laptop computers on their desks 34 per cent of the time, and other postures like lying prone, floor sitting and sitting with the computer on their laps, are very common,” he said.  “In light of this, alternatives to chair sitting postures should be encouraged only if these are reasonable postures.”

“The potential impact of computer use on the physical development of children can be significant, and we hope that these guidelines will form the basis for teaching children the wise use of computers,” Professor Straker said.  “We also hope that equipment designers and suppliers will also take these guidelines into consideration.

Professor Straker said the guidelines were important because computer use by children was extremely high globally and the discomfort reported by children using computers was increasing. 

According to Professor Straker, “Nearly all children in affluent countries now use computers, with more than 90 per cent of households with children in Australia having a computer at home and over 90 per cent of enrolled school children in the United States using a computer at school."

“School children also typically use a computer for substantial periods of time each week, with many children reporting discomfort related to computer use.  In Australia, one in five children reported soreness at least monthly and the soreness reported was not trivial in nature," he said.  “Of those with soreness, one in four had to limit their activities, one in 10 took medication and one in 20 sought health professional advice.”

The full guidelines can be accessed for free courtesy of Taylor and Francis publishers (see links below):  and focus on:

• Encouraging a mix of seated and whole body movement tasks.
• Encouraging reasonable postures during computing tasks through workstation, chair, desk, display and input device selection and adjustment.
• Special issues regarding notebook computer use.
• Teaching children computing skills and to respond to discomfort.

Rick Clancy advises:

• Watch your kids for signs of pain. Children will complain about having to carry a laptop around but will ignore the pain when they are actually using it as parents could limit their online time, and no teenager wants that!!
• Neck, back and shoulder pain are the most common. Keep an eye on how often they stretch when using their laptop as a potential indicator.
• Set them up properly with the right equipment and show them how to use and adjust it properly.
• Use a Laptop Stand to place the screen at a comfortable viewing height, normally just below the eye level, and distance, which is usually about arms length.
• Use a separate keyboard and mouse so their arms are in a neutral and relaxed position with the elbows slightly above desk height.
• Encourage frequent breaks.  Most damage is done by remaining in the same position for extended periods of time.

ErgoAustralia has developed a product to help with this matter.  The Laptop Ergonomic Awareness Program (LEAP) provides current information on the potential dangers of laptop use and cost effective product solutions to create a safer and healthier working environment for our children.  Laptop Stand prices start at under $20.00 and LEAP PACKS, which include a Laptop Stand, Mouse and Keyboard, from less than $50.00.   Remember, the Education Tax refund can provide 50% tax relief on computer-related purchases for your children.

Healthy computing!

WIN!!  Enter the 'Safe Laptop Use' Competition, for your chance to win a LEAP Pack (wired) RRP $95.00. Includes LEAP Laptop Stand, Mouse and Keyboard Combo - by September 24, 2010.   Click here.

Links:

Curtin University

Informaworld: Laptop Guidelines

Laptop Ergonomic Awareness Program (LEAP)

Ergonomics for Children 

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