Good computer ergonomics – it’s not just for grownups!
Suchi Sairam, VP, Roadmap Innovation @ Ergotron
There’s been a lot of discussion over the last several years about “digital natives” vs. “digital immigrants.” I just recently came across another great way of describing this from David Truss, “I come from the Batman era, adding items to my utility belt while students today are the Borg from Star Trek, assimilating technology into their lives.”
I spend time volunteering in schools, to give something back AND to observe how the next generation is going to approach and solve problems. Now I get the opportunity to see REAL “digital natives” in action – how differently they view the world, even compared to 5 years ago.
That’s when I realize that much of our educational system is not designed to teach the students of today, and that the needs of today’s students evolve so much faster than in the past.
I applaud educators and administrators for trying to keep up, it’s a huge undertaking. These kids multi-task – all the time. They really don’t read physical books, they read online. The good old days of the cool mechanical pencil are long-gone. And they spend SO much time on computers, from such a young age. Friends of mine are looking to get their 3 ½ year old daughter her own Mac. Three and a half? Wow.
It makes me wonder if parents and instructors are recognizing some of the implications of kids spending so much time on computers from younger and younger ages. Back problems, neck aches, and eye strain are well known problems with adults who spend a lot of time in front of computers at work and at home, doing repetitive tasks. Why not kids too?
In fact, research conducted by Cornell University found “40% of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk.”
Not only that, they are using these computer stations from such a young age, through important periods of physical growth that could be heavily influenced by physical constraints of extended computer use. It was good to see Dr. Crom’s recent blog entry on ergonomics in computing for children, there is a concern to create awareness and address this problem. The American Chiropractic Association is also doing its part, publishing tips to reduce injuries related to computer use.
Ergotron wants to learn and be involved in this dialogue. We want to help find ways to help solve this problem of “now” and the future, so this next generation of great problem solvers isn’t slowed down due to physical ailments caused by computer use.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Suchi, I’m so glad to see you’ve initiated the dialogue on kids and computers with your blog entry. Several of the points you make are issues discussed at the recent Human Factors & Ergonomics Society (HFES) conference in New York. For instance, 80% of children are using computers by the age 6!
Because kids are exposed to the computer before they begin their academic careers, the members of an ergonomic panel on education pointed out that the use of computers by children in homes is possibly of greater concern than use in schools – which means we must consider how to reach kids both through teachers and parents.
October 19th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Suchi,
I do like your article and points that you made. However, I do believe that this issues has to be looked at more broadly. The role of parents has not changed in kids’ lives today. There are many many things in kids’ lives today that distract them from playing and being kids, including computers. The key is: All in moderation, balance and discipline. I am the parent who is looking to a buy a Mac for my daughter; however, I balance her life with much discipline including hatha yoga, exposure to different cultures, good eating habits, playing outside,playing board games, doing arts/crafts, participating in cooking and gardening, going to a active Montessori school where learning is approached completely differently, etc. The Mac can add another medium for her to learn many different things which I balance with all of the natural ways of learning as well. Also preventive health practices are very important in maintaining physical and mental health. If a computer as well as other tools are used in moderation and as a tool rather than a crutch, I think it’s a great idea to help the kids learn. If used in excess and with no discipline, I agree with you completely. I believe that balance is the key to life in all aspects.
October 20th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Vaishalee, thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are absolutely right about moderation being a critical factor, and about preventative health practices as an important part of the equation. Even with moderation, there is a physical impact on adults and children with computer use – computer users are younger and younger (as with your child and with many that are the around the same age), and we all use computers for a longer period of time each day to complete our “everyday activites.” I am hopeful that there is a growing awareness amongst parents and educators, and increased understanding all of the preventative actions that can be taken to minimize the impact, including the balance you discussed and properly configured computing environments.
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Suchi,
Thank you for raising awareness around this issue. The more I think about it, the more concerned I am for my daughter and other children. Could extensive use disrupt growth or physical development patterns? Can it cause permanent damage or disabilities? This was not previously on my radar but you are right. It needs to be. My daughter has complained for years of pain in her upper back between her shoulder blades and, more recently, of pain in her hand that sounds suspiciously like carpal tunnel. She is only 14 years old.
So, the challenge appears to be two-fold, finding solutions to making a computer work environment more youth-friendly and getting this issue on the radars of parents and educators.
I believe the solutions need to be implemented more in the home than at school, but perhaps schools are the best point of education/point of persuasion/point of sale. When I look at the proportion of computing time my daughter spends at school vs. at home, the long stretches of time are at home with homework assignments and communications with friends.
Ideas to find solutions:
- Industry sponsored science project , design & engineering project, or health sciences project at school. Educational for students and for solutions finders.
- Student science competition.
Ideas to educate:
- Ergonomic screenings like the vision & hearing screenings.
- Ergonomic assessment station on Back to School night. Make it interactive, fun, educational.
- Ergonomic assessment station over the lunch hour in the cafeteria.
- Apply for grants through the school district to do a pilot program with the schools.
For the record, I did ask my 14yr old to read your blog as well to see if she had any reaction. She said “Of course she’s right but what can anyone do about it.” Suchi, let’s do something about it!
October 24th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Suchi akka,
I thought that this blog was very profound and thought-provoking. Vaishalee akka, instead of buying a Mac for your daughter, could you use another laptop or computer that you have at home to supplement her exposure to different things?
October 24th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Sue, thanks very much for sharing your comments. I’ve found it to be quite an interesting exercise when people ask themselves (or their kids) on whether or not they feel any side effects from computer work. Most people have some symptoms, but have just “learned to live with it” because they don’t think there are alternatives, or because they don’t think anything can be done about it (like your child’s reaction). In the scheme of things, it is pretty astonishing to think of a 14 year old experiencing back and hand pain due to prolonged and repetitive computer use.
Your ideas for awareness, education and communication are really interesting – especially the angle that action needs to be taken at home, but that the message is best communicated through schools. In some ways, it is a grass roots type of awareness issue, in others a macro wellness issue. I am with you, we can all do something about this!
May 26th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I am very conscious now about changing activities frequently with my children in general but not for any specific reason except to keep them engaged and learning. Now that I am aware that teaching good posture and form as well as moderation will be increasingly important. Thanks so much for posting!