Virtual learning posture for kids has not been widely explored, even though ergonomics have been thoroughly researched when it comes to adults. Whether your child is doing e-learning in front of a laptop or doing hard copy assignments at a desk, it is important for them to maintain a good posture. This may be problematic because many families may not have furniture that is ergonomic for children. In this article, I will cover 3 tips to help your children adopt the ideal posture to study at home.
Now is the time to help children care about their posture. Proper posture helps to protect a child’s growing spine from scoliosis or other developmental issues. The healthier the nerves are flowing from your spine, the better your brain works. Therefore, good posture is essential for optimal learning. Sitting with proper posture reduces a plethora of musculoskeletal problems that cause headaches, back, and neck pain as well.
Below are some guidelines and 3 tips for parents to achieve the ideal posture for children during home-based learning. We also share tips on setting up your child’s workstation to improve their at-home learning environment.
Furniture for Proper Virtual Learning Posture for Kids
Most furniture is built for adults and thus, not built to suit a child’s proportion. A desk that is too high can put the child’s elbow and wrist in an awkward and stressed position. A desk that is too low can cause your child to instinctively hunch over to type on the computer. This leads to poor posture over time and may result in more serious chronic aches and pain involving the neck and back. However, it is essential that your child do their schoolwork at a table or desk, and not slouching in bed or on a couch. Working on a desktop computer with a keyboard tray is also highly reccomended.
One great option is to install an adjustable work-station. This may be vital if multiple people are sharing a desk. Just like repositioning a car seat while driving, fixing your chair and computer height can help your child work better for longer periods of time, and not experience pain.
Watch the video I made for a quick explanation and keep reading below to learn more about the topic.
90-90-90 Rule
The ideal seated posture for children should follow the ‘90-90-90’ rule. Your child’s elbows, hips, and knees each should be in a rested 90-degree angle. This means that the height of your child’s workstation should be at the same level as their elbow. For young children, it may be necessary to raise the height of the chair to achieve the ideal seated posture. A foot support or stool should be provided if your child’s feet are dangling mid-air and not resting flat on the floor. Your child’s chair should support their back also. Placing a pillow behind the lower back can provide extra support if the chair is not able to provide optimal support.
Screen Height
The primary guideline for proper screen height is that the top of the computer screen should be parallel to your child’s eye level. This reduces the need to constantly look up and down, which reduces the risk of a neck strain.
If your child is using a laptop, we recommend they have a separate keyboard and mouse so that the laptop screen can be raised. The keyboard and mouse can be comfortably positioned on the keyboard tray in the 90-degree position. The laptop screen can be raised to an appropriate height using a portable laptop stand or by placing a pile of books under the laptop to prop it up.
Related: Is Cell-Phone Use Bad For Your Back?
This at-home learning period could be a great opportunity to develop good postural habits for your child. The time will be well spent as you bring them closer to an ideal posture. This habit will follow them through and help them feel and perform better across their whole life. Pain can be avoided by regular visits to our doctors. Chiropractic adjustments, which align the spine, help your child’s brain to function better. If your child is experiencing back or neck pain, contact our team of skilled doctors below to book an appointment.