PCs Hidden Danger in the Classroom

Children learning computer skills at school may be at risk of permanent injury.

Health experts claim thousands of children have already reported a range of conditions associated with computer use from, back and neck injuries to RSI.

The problem is exacerbated where children use computers at school, where schools cannot always afford adjustable furniture and equipment.

Head teacher Kim Beat of Barham Primary School has invited RSI specialists into her school to teach children correct posture and how to work safely.

Dr Leon Straker of Curtin University, Perth is researching the problem in Australia. "This is the first generation of children who have used computers from early childhood while their muscles and bones are developing." If we don't look into the problem soon, he claims "we will see a lot of children disabled from using computers."

Sunday, 3 December 2000