RSI in Children

The number of recorded cases is still relatively low but many parents and health professionals are concerned about the potential for RSI affecting schoolchildren.

RSI Awareness believes there is a need for information on the dangers of computer-related injuries and that this awareness should extend to school staff and governors. In particular, there is a need for advice on posture, timed breaks and a proper ergonomic assessment.

Recent schemes to provide schoolchildren with laptops do not seem to take account of the increased health risks. A survey by Curtin University in Australia showed that 60% of children suffered discomfort when using their laptops. The pain, typically, was in the neck, lower back, shoulders and head. The long term consequences of prolonged poor posture on developing bodies are a major concern.

Children are also vulnerable to straining their hands and wrists. The combination of keyboarding, playing computer games and text-messaging needs careful attention from parents. Dr Diana Macgregor of the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital has highlighted the case of an 11-year-old boy who suffered from tendinitis following long periods on his Nintendo GameBoy, a condition that has come to be known as 'Nintendonitis'.