Extension for Real Life Blog

Set up a proper workstation to help children avoid injury and chronic pain

Video taken by Ellen Graves

Computers can be a pain in the neck – literally. But parents can help children prevent repetitive strain injury by following a few tips from Dr. David Buys, Extension health specialist.

An appropriately configured desk area encourages proper posture. When seated at a computer, both feet should be on the floor and the arms should be at a 45 degree angle to the keyboard.

There is no need to buy a completely new set-up to help children maintain proper posture during those late-night homework assignments. A few smaller purchases and adjustments can help.

He suggests parents:

• Purchase an adjustable desk chair.
• Use a footrest if the chair needs to be raised for proper arm position.
• Install a keyboard tray if the keyboard needs to be lowered.
• Position the monitor an arm’s-length’s away with the top of the monitor at eye-level

“If children are doing homework for long periods of time, use a timer to remind them to take frequent breaks,” Buys said. “Have them move around for five or 10 minutes every hour. Dollar stores have inexpensive kitchen timers that can help with this; or parents may want to use a microwave or oven timer. It doesn’t have to be fancy.”

Other resources:
Working-well.org
University of California, Los Angeles

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