The childcare facility that Ella manages plans to purchase new computers for the preschoolers. Several staff members have mentioned a concern about health and safety issues related to children’s computer use. Ella has been asked to consider how computers should be used in the center and determine how to avoid potential hazards. What should Ella recommend?

For many people, computers are an everyday part of life. Clothes, books, and even groceries can be purchased on the Internet. Bills can be paid online. Many people use email instead of a telephone or mail to keep in touch with relatives and friends.

Many early childhood professionals, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), acknowledge that computer technology, when used appropriately, can be a beneficial learning tool for young children.

Electrical safety is important for maintaining a safe computer station for young children. A computer station for young children should be placed in the “dry” section of the room, away from “wet” activities like art or sand and water. Make sure you place the computer close to an outlet so you do not need an extension cord, which is a safety hazard.

Always use safety caps on unused electrical outlets; replace cords that are broken, frayed or cracked; and avoid overloading outlets. Three-pronged plugs should only be used in three-slot outlets. All children who have access to the computer should be supervised closely and taught basic electric safety, such as not pulling or biting cords or sticking objects into outlets.

Occasionally, used computers are donated to childcare facilities. Before using a donated computer, make sure to check for frayed cords and other signs of wear. Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure that equipment has not been recalled.

The ever-increasing use of computers in daily life is resulting in more cases of computer-related health conditions including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Computer Vision Syndrome. Like adults, children who use computers frequently can suffer from headaches, blurred vision, and eye irritation.

Some children become engrossed in activities they enjoy and will concentrate on “fun” tasks for long periods of time. This is more common in older children with longer attention spans, but some preschoolers are capable of this kind of concentration, too.

When children focus on computers for extended periods, the results can be eye irritation and other visual problems. This can be addressed in your childcare setting with careful monitoring and scheduling of the computer area.

Children sometimes have difficulty realizing that they need a break from the computer, so providers can help them acquire this skill with frequent reminders. Timers and clocks placed in the computer area are useful for helping children manage their “screen time.”

Children are more adaptable than adults, so they tend to accept things the way they are. For example, children will typically adjust to glare on a computer screen by changing their posture or squinting. Children may not tell you if they are having visual difficulties at the computer; so be aware of nonverbal signs of visual problems, like an awkward posture.

The computer station should be positioned so that the child caregiver can visually supervise children by seeing both the child and the computer screen.

Lighting and glare are two of the biggest concerns when using computers. Often, interior lighting is not ideal for computer use. In most cases, the lighting is too bright, which can cause glare. Look for a well-ventilated area that has appropriate lighting. If possible, try to match the amount of lighting in the room to that of the computer screen. Sometimes this can be accomplished by simply switching to a lower intensity light bulb or by installing a dimmer switch.

To minimize glare, position the computer so that windows and other sources of light are not visible when sitting in front of the computer’s monitor. Windows should be the side of the monitor, rather than in front or in back.

Sometimes, glare can be eliminated by installing blinds or shutters on windows. Darker colors and matte finishes on walls behind computer monitors also may be helpful. Modifications to the computer itself may help, such as adding an antiglare screen to the monitor or adjusting the computer’s settings for brightness and contrast.

For children to have a positive computer experience, they need appropriately-positioned equipment and correct posture. Children who are incorrectly positioned at a computer may try to adapt by squinting, tilting their head or adopting an unusual posture, which eventually leads to discomfort.

Remind children frequently of correct posture for computer work: arms close to the body, elbows at a 90° angle, wrists at the same level as their forearms, and feet flat on the floor.

Traditional computer stations are designed for adults and usually do not accommodate young children very comfortably. Adult-size computer stations typically have monitors and desks that are too high and chairs that are too low for children. Use child-size furniture that allows children’s feet to rest firmly on the floor.

The computer monitor should be positioned so that the children’s eyes are just above the top edge of the monitor, approximately 24” away. Sitting closer than 20” to the monitor puts children at risk for eyestrain. The monitor should be located directly in front of the child and not to the right or left side.

Most keyboards and mice are designed for adults, so they can be difficult for small children to manipulate. If possible, use a child-size or notebook keyboard and a small mouse. Some children find trackballs and touchpads easier to maneuver than a mouse.

Selecting appropriate software programs is important. Some software depicts violent images and may be frightening to young children.

Even if children are not frightened by the images, the computer program could encourage aggression; therefore, select programs that focus on cooperation and problem solving. Software should allow children to work (play) independent of an adult reading all of the directions for them.

Look for programs, for example, that direct children to navigate through pictures and allowing children to be successful in their decisions within the program. There are some great software programs available, but it may take time to carefully select them.

Marna Holland
Parent Educator, Asheville, NC, City Schools Preschool and Instructor, Western Carolina University

All About Vision, www.allaboutvision.com/parents/children-computer-vision-syndrome.htm

Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov

Healthy Computing for Kids, www.healthycomputing.com/kids/computers.html

International Ergonomics Association, www.education.umn.edu/kls/ecee/guidelines.html

National Association for the Education Young Children, www.naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/PSTECH98.PDF

Sesame Street Workshop, www.sesameworkshop.org/parents/solutions/information/article.php?contentId=74305&