Not too long ago parents might have worried about how their children sat or lay when they were reading and whether they were straining their eyes in low light. Probably needlessly in the main.
Today, because of the age they start, we do need to be concerned about how they use their computers at a time when their muscles and bones are still developing.
Bad posture can affect so many aspects of physical health, from back, neck and wrist pain to digestive, neurological and respiratory issues.
These can become lifetime problems and not show for a good number of years.
We can spend hundreds of dollars on software and games for the children then let them use it with a desk and chair set to the needs of the person who uses the computer the most.
Standard office chairs, for example, aren't designed for under-12s.
They can probably safely dangle their feet for about an hour but, if the chair is not at a suitable height for the monitor, they will be tilting their head up and backwards to view it.
The most common advice to parents mirrors that offered in the workplace:
• Provide a height-adjustable chair that allows the feet to be placed firmly on the floor or a footrest. The seat shouldn't compress behind the knees and there should be upper and lower back support.
• Armrests can force the forearms and elbows into unnatural positions.
• The head should balance on the neck. Adjust the height and tilt of the monitor so that the head is not tilted too far forward or back.
• The monitor should be directly in front and an arm's length away.
• Upper arms should be close to the body and forearms should be below horizontal with the wrist and hand level with the forearm.
• The mouse should be moved with the forearm not the wrist and be a suitable size for a young hand.
• Items to be used should be easily within reach to avoid twisting the body. Provide a document holder.
• Ensure there is no glare from other light on the screen but enough light to work by.
• Every 15 minutes have them take a two-minute eye break: look at something distant and blink rapidly to lubricate the eyes.
• And a full rest break every 30 to 60 minutes. Consider ''take a break'' software to encourage them to do that and put some simple exercises on the wall by the computer.
Research on the impact of tablet use is limited. What there is indicates more stresses on the shoulders and neck but that risks are lowered by postures not being held for long periods and by greater variety of movement during use.
