Kids

Kids can be just as susceptible to repetitive strain injuries as adults. Kids are much more technologically aware than their parents were at their age, and they use computers much, much more than the older generations when in school. Computers in the school system have become a mandatory item for school work. But with this almost excessive use of computers among children and teens, kids are being more frequently diagnosed with RSI’s than ever before.

The most common symptoms for kids, up to the age of 18, have been neck and shoulder pain because of computer use. Eye strain and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are also common ailments.

Here are a few tips for kids to help reduce the risk of RSI’s:

· Lower the monitor for kids to help keep their neck straight. Monitors are usually situated for adults, so make sure they are at a good height for your child.

· Raise or lower chairs to help keep their wrists and arms level with the keyboard.

· Place the keyboard at a lower height than the desk. Most desks come with a slide out shelf underneath the desk for this reason.

· Kids are obviously smaller than adults, and their legs need to be supported while typing. Find a footrest, so they can comfortably rest their feet.

· Always adjust the monitor to reduce glare.

· Have your kids take frequent breaks to reduce RSI’s.

· Make sure your kids know what a light touch is when using the keyboard or mouse. They shouldn’t bang with their fingers. This produces more stress to joints and tendons in the hands, wrists, and arms.

· You can find kid friendly office furniture, computer keyboards, and mice for your kids.

· Help organize the work area around your kids while at they are at the computer so they can easily reach items around them without too much strain.

· Watch the clock to regulate the time your child spends on the computer to help reduce the risk of RSI’s from too much use.

· Have your kids get up and exercise a bit. Simple stretching is easy and can be done in a fun way to get them moving. Exercise will help decrease muscle fatigue.

· Try to help kids notice the right wrist position when typing. Their spatial awareness isn’t fully developed yet and they may have a hard time grasping and remembering that their wrist should be level with the keyboard.

· Show pictures of ideal computer positioning rather than just writing or verbally explaining to them so they get a better idea of what is good and what is bad.

· Track balls, instead of a mouse, may also be a good alternative for kid’s smaller hands.

Be sure to work with your kids and make sure they understand how to properly sit at and use a computer. After all, they are going to be using computers for many years to come. And even if they are not experiencing RSI's now, it is a good idea to start them out with good habits so that they do not experience any problems in the future.