Computer, television and playstation use in developmental age: Friends or enemies of growth and health? Study on a northern italy sample 6-14 year old

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of new technologies can compromise a correct and harmonic physical development of children because of inadequate workstations and maintenance of wrong postures, and moreover because of the immoderate time dedicated to sedentary activities instead of physical ones. The paper examines the children's excessive use of computer, TV and Playstation at home, and the physical problems they feel after their use. Furthermore it analyses the ergonomic suitability of students' workplaces and environment. It emphasizes also the importance of knowledge dissemination of ergonomic principles among teachers and families, in order to reduce children's risk of musculoskeletal disorders and damages to their visual system. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.