Repetitive motion of any kind can do damage to a person’s body after a while. It is hard to imagine that a child can be harmed sitting at the computer. But it happens. Just like adults, children can get repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. What parents can do to help prevent injuries is set up the computer work area so that it can be adjusted to the height and size of the people working there. Here are a few suggestions:

• Have your child sit with feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. The legs and hips should be nearly perpendicular to the trunk of the body.
• The child’s back should be supported either with an adjustable chair that gives lumbar support or with a pillow that does the same.
• Your child should be seated about 18 inches away from the computer with the top of the monitor screen aligned with the child’s forehead.
• The keyboard should be situated so that there is no strain either way on the child’s wrists. This could require curved keyboard or a wrist rest.
• Have your child get up and move around regularly while working at the computer. What you are trying to do is avoid any kind of strain on your child’s body. Watch for pain or numbness or tingling that could indicate problems