Computers have become part of our everyday lives. Adolescents use them in school, at work, and at home. They have made it relatively easy to conduct research and obtain all the material a teen needs to complete homework assignments. And, when it comes time to write an essay or term paper, the various drafts can be printed in moments. It is almost impossible to recall the pre-home computer days of compiling copious notes and retyping entire pages every time there was a notable change. Many of today’s teens have probably never seen a typewriter.
Nevertheless, computers do not come without their own set of concerns. Of course, there is Internet safety and security, which is discussed in detail in the chapter on that topic. But, there are also the medical problems sometimes experienced by those who use computers. Why are there so many injuries with computers when there were so few with typewriters? Of course, people who used typewriters also hurt themselves. But typewriter users did not generate the vast numbers of chronic, persistent problems. Typewriting involved more than pounding the keys. The typist would change the paper, push the carriage over and stop to correct the mistakes. In other words, there was more overall movement of different muscles of the body. In addition, there would be small, built-in, breaks in the typing process. For example, the typist might get up to retrieve a file from the cabinet. Now, the information from that file is probably in the computer.
Tired and aching eyes are very common complaints among computer users. One can reduce the chances of developing eye problems by positioning the monitor so that the eyes meet the top of the screen. One should also try to reduce the amount of glare on the screen. The contrast and brightness controls can be adjusted, and the screen should be kept clean. It is believed that over an extended period of time, black characters set against a light gray background are easiest for the eyes to see. Many people advise computer users to keep the screen an arm’s length away from the head. But some say that the distance does not matter. Looking at the computer screen for excessive periods of time may trigger a headache. Periodically, one should look away from the screen and gaze elsewhere.
Teens should try to avoid slouching when keyboarding. If a teen develops neck, lower back or shoulders discomfort, then there is a good chance that his or her posture is less than perfect. Ideally, one should sit in an ergonomically supportive chair, but if the adolescent does not have one, then a lower back support such as a lumbar cushion or rolled towel can be utilized. Adolescents should select a chair that has a larger seat that allows room to move. One may increase the font size on the computer screen since if the font is too small, the teen may be tempted to hunch forward. That places unnecessary pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in one’s neck and shoulders.
The adolescent’s elbows, forearms, fingers, wrists and hands are at very high risk for developing problems. Hours of typing may exact a terrible toll. The nerves may be damaged, resulting in an exceedingly painful repetitive strain injuries, also known as repetitive stress injuries. The condition is the result of the continuous overuse of one muscle group. One might think that teens are too young to develop such a problem. Sadly, that is not true. Doctors are diagnosing these conditions in many adolescents. Children now begin to use computers at very young ages. By the time they are teens, they may have spent hundreds or thousands of hours seeing at computers in their home, school, and library. Poor computer habits will eventually take a toll. For example, a youngster may sit at a parent’s computer in a chair that is far too large. Legs dangling from the oversized chairs reduce circulation. To see the monitor, children and younger teens may need to bow their backs and jut their heads forward. And maneuvering the mouse and keyboard with smaller hands places a strain on delicate bones and tissues.
Some schools and libraries have attempted to add furniture that is better designed for youth. They have installed adjustable keyboard stands and chairs. Unfortunately, all too often, a few students break off the adjustable keyboards stands and elevate the chairs as high as possible, often rolling them around the classroom or public area. Nevertheless, modifying the environment to meet the needs of younger and smaller people is not impossible. If there is too much space between the floor and an adolescent’s feet, it may be filled with a backpack. The teen’s feet can rest on the backpack and sitting on a few books or an old telephone book will give the adolescent needed height to see the monitor. With the added height, it will not be necessary to raise the mouse higher than the height of the elbow.
There are a number of different types of repetitive strain injuries that affect the hands and arms including tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include tightness, stiffness, and burning in the elbows, forearms, fingers, wrists and hands. In addition, hands may feel numb, cold and tingly.
Despite the wide prevalence of these problems, there are ways to reduce a teen’s susceptibility to these issues. One can use a lighter touch when typing or using the mouse. There is no need to pound on the keys or tightly grip or squeeze the mouse. The mouse should be placed near the keyboard. When transferring the hand from the mousepad to the keyboard, the entire hand should be lifted. Other suggestions include the following:
- Do not lead with the thumb
- Hold the forearms parallel to the floor
- Do not rest writs on the keyboard and keep them level
- Every so often, stop typing and lay the arms and wrists on the lap
- Feet should rest on the floor to prevent aching legs
- The teen’s thighs should be perpendicular to his or her body
- The adolescent should take frequent breaks to stand and walk around
- One should take a five minute break for every thirty minutes of work
Computer injuries do not only occur among people who type frequently or for extended periods of time. Just about anyone is theoretically at risk. So everyone should take precautions.
Related topics:
Academics, back pain, eye problems, fatigue, headaches, Internet safety
