Unfortunately, many adults experience neck, back and wrist pain while working on their computers. We often find ourselves pushing away from our devices to stretch, move or take a break in order to find relief. It doesn’t take long when working on our laptops, desktop computers or smart devices before we start to experience some levels of discomfort.
Now, think about typical children and young people. How long do they work or play on their devices, and how good is their posture?
Most children will play with digital technology for hours without even thinking about taking a break, and they will often be sitting in the most inappropriate positions on unsuitable furniture or the floor.
Children don’t feel discomfort the way older people do. They believe they are invincible, and the idea that they may be at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) will not enter their heads. To them, the absence of discomfort equals absence of risk. But there is growing evidence that this is a serious mistake.
Most organizations have recognized that poor posture among office employees can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased performance and an increased risk of injury. MSDs can arise from prolonged static postures; the worse the posture, and the longer this posture is held, the greater the risk of an MSD developing.
As young people enter the labor force, we are seeing more and more 20-somethings with back, neck and wrist issues. They may have been playing and working with computers and smart devices for 10 years. They have formed bad habits and adopted poor postures. Now, consider that children aged three are using tablets and smart devices every day.
How much damage will have been inflicted on their bodies when they enter the job market in 18 to 20 years’ time?
Cardinus Risk Management surveyed more than 250 students in British primary and secondary schools. The survey found that more than 50 percent of 14-year-olds have back pain. Back pain! They are already in trouble. And because of social media, school work and gaming, our children spend way more time interacting with technology than adults do at work. Prolonged use and prolonged poor posture; we need to make some serious changes to help our children.
Cardinus has developed training material and guides to help you educate your children and improve their posture. Our program helps children to recognize discomfort and understand that it is their body’s way of letting them know it is time to make a change, take a break or stretch.
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