Effects of RSI on Children

The effects of RSI on children can be long lasting, and in some cases, permanent. Children are using the computer more and more these days for entertainment and for homework. This can cause children to have swollen hands, fingers, neck, and back problems that will cause a child to sit incorrectly for long periods of time. There are ways to help keep children safe while they are at the computer. If a child has to be on the computer, they should be limited to no more than two hours. If a child is on the computer longer than two hours, they will begin to feel pain. It is important to keep children active by letting them play outside after being on the computer. While children will need to research items for reports and other projects, giving children time to run and play is one way to help prevent injury caused by sitting in one place for a long time.

Children should be given their own workstations. If a child uses an adult workstation, parents should not use phone books or other items to lift the child up in the seat. These items can cause blood to circulate through the body poorly. Children should be given their own workspace. This will help them maintain good posture and they won't have to look up at the screen. Looking up at the screen for too long can cause neck and back injury. RSI in children can cause back injury. This could prohibit them from sports and other activities they should be participating in each day. Children who use the computer too much may also have vision issues later in life and may need glasses.

While it is important to teach children about the computer because they will be using it as they get older at school and will have to use it at home. But parents should warn children that sitting improperly and for long periods of time can cause injury. Teaching children how to sit will help children become more comfortable at the computer. They should be encouraged to take frequent breaks. Every two hours, children should take a twenty minute break. They should also be encouraged to drink plenty of water, eat a proper diet, and get plenty of exercise. Children who spend too much time on the computer will not get enough exercise and will have health problems later on in life.

RSI can be prevented be practicing good posture and by not spending too much time on their computer. Taking breaks, and using arm and wrist pads will help keep a person from being injured. Since children do not know of these risks, they will need to be told and then reminded often so that they can be productive on the computer and not suffer from permanent injury. RSI is the leading cause of injury at the workplace. Teaching children at a young age may help prevent injuries later on in life because they will have been taught how to sit at the computer properly.

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