Computer Workplaces for Primary School Children - What about Ergonomics?

Computer related RSI before 20 years of age? This rather provocative question put focus on the increasing number of children and young people requiring treatment for muscular problems, particularly from the shoulder and arm region, problems that are related to the use of computer mouse and keyboard.The usage of computers has increased during the last years and particularly in the ages from 7 to 10. Young children are using computer in schools, in spare time activities outside schools and in the homes. The number of hours that children are using computers will most probably increase even further as many schools are prioritising investments in this area.The objectives with this study were to create a survey of computer work place design in the school environment and to evaluate this from an ergonomic and physical point of view, regarding the situation for both pupils and teachers.The study has pointed out that there is a limited ergonomic knowledge among teachers and other responsible people working in scho...