6 WFH Ergonomic Tips for Children
By Megan Azzarello, OTS, CEAS
Are you cringing at the sight of your child constantly hunched over their mobile devices, laptops, and books? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have shut down, and children are required to complete schoolwork through a virtual classroom. While children are getting an education from home, it is also vital for them to begin practicing proper ergonomics. According to Cardinus Risk Management Limited, “72% of elementary school children have suffered back or neck pain in the past year.” Children can benefit from these six ergonomic tips and develop effective workstation habits for continued use in the future.
1. Work at a table when possible
Create a dedicated workspace for your children to complete assignments that is fit for them. Providing a table with plenty of space to work on tasks, minimal noise, adequate lighting, and comfortable temperature are all important considerations.
2. Use external keyboard and mouse
Awkward posture on small keyboards occurs any time the wrists are not parallel to the floor. Children with small hands may not have an awkward wrist posture when typing on a small keyboard such as ones found on laptops. However, high school students may want to use an external keyboard to keep wrists in a neutral posture.
3. Prop up your child’s device
You can get creative by using Legos to build a stand for a tablet or find boxes around the house. The key here is to prop up the device to reduce neck strain and ensure the top third of the screen is at the child’s eye level.
4. Keep moving
Children require play and interaction with the environment around them to improve focus. One way to do this is to switch activities just like your child would in a school setting, take 3-5 minutes to walk around the house to maintain that physical activity that is taken for granted when moving from class to class.
5. Create a routine
Routines are essential to create a sense of control when there is so much uncertainty about the future. Routine is also important for students that have difficulty transitioning. To keep a routine, you can “walk” to school in the morning by going for a family walk around the block. Make sure that children also have a routine snack and mealtime throughout their school day.
6. Supported seating
It can be easy for children to sit on the floor or the couch. However, this provides minimal back support. Support a child’s back and feet when sitting in chairs that were designed with adults in mind because these chairs are not supportive and can lead to poor posture. Try using blankets, pillows, and boxes to build support under the arms, feet, and behind the back.
When planning your work from home ergonomic setup, don’t forget your little learners who are also working form home. Our children have ergonomic needs too! To learn more, contact us at connect@risingworkplace.com or 828-214-7827.
References:
Afterman, M. (Producer). (2020). Ergonomics for Children: Top 10 recommendations [Video Webinar]. Retrieved from https://www.hfes.org/events/webinar-series/past-webinars
Cardinus Risk Management Limited. (n.d.). Healthy Working: MOVE. Healthy Working. Retrieved on April 21, 2020 from http://www.ergo4students.com/