An ergonomic questionnaire survey on the use of computers in schools.

A questionnaire was sent out to elementary, junior high and high schools in Yokohama and Kawasaki Cities from January to March 1998 regarding the use of personal computers by pupils and students. The survey included the questions that asked how often and in what environment computers are used, whether any instructions are given as to their use, children's working posture, and the effect on health. The results show that most schools are slow to develop instructive programs from the environmental or ergonomic point of view. So far there are not many children who complain of any serious symptoms such as pain in the neck, head or shoulders, but a future increase in the number of classes which involve computing, as well as the widespread popularity of home computers, will surely arouse a legitimate concern about the health of pupils and students, since they will spend more and more time operating the devices. An effective way to anticipate the problem is to provide young students with adequate knowledge of easy-on-body usage and environmental design, and now there is an urgent need for specific guidelines to protect them.