With all the time they spend at a keyboard, kids need to pay attention to ergonomics as much as adults do. They should sit up straight, with their feet flat on the floor, their eyes level with the screen, and their forearms parallel to the floor. Because most workstations are built for adults, some adjustments need to be made for a child to use a computer comfortably. Chairs, desks, monitors, keyboards, and other tools should be the right size and arranged properly to minimize the risk of muscular and skeletal problems, including repetitive-stress injuries. Many companies now offer ergonomic products for kids and adults. Most of these are available at Office Depot.
3M Renaissance Ergonomic Mouse
3M has developed a unique mouse specifically for laptop users. Unlike the traditional palm-down posture of a traditional mouse, the “handshake” design of the 3M Renaissance Mouse keeps the hand in a natural position, reducing the muscle strain and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury. The company also offers the 3M Adjustable Notebook Platform that places your laptop at a more comfortable angle.
SmartLap Lap Desk
The SmartLap Lap Desk ($15) lets kids take their homework anywhere. This durable plastic lap desk comes in cool shades and has a top that flips up to hold essential school supplies.
Standard Foot Rest
This foot rest ($19) has a simple and elegant design with numerous height options and easy knob adjustment.
Document holder
Document holders place papers at the same level as the monitor, minimizing eye and neck movements.
OTT-LITE Desk Lam
This lamp ($60) has open and closing shades and OTT-LITE VisionSaver Plus lighting. It was designed to reduce eye-strain caused by glare and distortion. Best part - its low-heat and energy-efficient bulbs last up to 10,000 hours.
