Cornell University Ergonomics Web

Workstation Ergonomics Guidelines for Computer Use by Children (as presented on the MSNBC Today Show, January 5th, 2000)

1) Always work in the Neutral Posture.
Follow the Neutral Posture guidelines below apply to children and adults. Following these guidelines will ensure that your child uses a computer in a comfortable and ergonomically correct way.

To see images that show the differences between a poor, deviated posture and a more neutral, more ergonomic posture for keyboard use CLICK HERE. 

To see images from the MSNBC Today Show to see children in a neutral, more ergonomic posture for keyboard use CLICK HERE. 

Observe how you child uses the computer and then adjust the workstation arrangement so that s/he is working in the most neutral posture that you can achieve. 

2) Organize a Normal Work Area
The normal work area is the space that can easily be reached by your child while s/he is sitting comfortably in the chair without her/him having to unduly bend or twist their body. Bring those items that your child uses most while working at the computer within this normal work area. If you child types from a text document or book, make sure that this is placed in a document holder and that it is as close to the screen as you can get it so that your child doesn't have to twist her/his head unnecessarily.

3) Check the Computer Screen Position
The computer screen should be positioned so that your child can comfortably view the screen without having to noticeably tilt her/his neck backwards or forwards. If the screen is too high, your child's neck will be tipped backwards, and if it is too low it will be bent forwards. You should change the height and angle of the screen to avoid these postures.

4) Workstation furniture and equipment
The following furniture and equipment is can help you to create the most comfortable and adjustable workstation arrangements for you and your child as s/he grows.

• a comfortable chair - use a height adjustable chair with a comfortable seat and good back support 
  (Click here for the features of an ergonomic chair)

• a stable desk/worksurface - make sure that your child is working with a computer that is placed on a stable worksurface. Use a negative slope/tiltdown keyboard system for a height adjustable keyboard/mouse platform (for example, see the Proformix Tiltdown keyboard system; the Humanscale keyboard system; the 3M keyboard system); the Flex-Rest keyboard system)
  (Click here for examples of this kind of keyboard arrangement).

• check the fit of the keyboard and mouse to the size of your child's hands. If you child has small hands then consider using a smaller keyboard for a better fit (for example, see the "Little Finger's" keyboard)

5) Glare-free screen
Check that the computer screen is free from glare spots (bright lights). To do this you may have to reposition the screen or adjust the room lighting. Make sure that there is sufficient light on any paper documents that your child is reading by using a freestanding adjustable brightness task light.

6) Manage computer use time
The risks of any postural problems associated with computer use depend upon the length of time that you child uses the computer without taking a rest break and doing something else. You can "watch the clock" to regulate your child's computer use, or you can use a software program to to this. These software program usually give on-screen alerts to "take a break", and often they provide guidance on simple stretch exercises (for example, you can download free"ErgoPal software" that will run on a PC).

• Children, Computers and Classrooms - IEA/HFES 2000 session slideshows

• Download the NEE presentation on Children and Computers

• View the Schools Ergonomics Program - Guidelines for Parents

• View the 10 ergonomic tips for adult workstations

• Visit Computer Ergonomics for Elementary Schools 

Browse the CUErgo Web Site for more ergonomics information.

Translated into Russian by Oleg Segal

Translated into French by Anna Chekovsky

Site content last revised: February 07, 2015

NOTE: The products mentioned on this page are not commercially endorsed by either Professor Alan Hedge or Cornell University.