Ergonomics issues related to children, computers, and schools

摘要

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have been rapidly introduced into schools in our society. As of March 2008, 56.5% of classrooms in elementary schools in Japan had VDTs equipped with the LAN system. The new ICT strategy of the Japanese government includes the aim that all public schools classrooms be equipped with LAN by March 2011.Science and technology are double-edged swords that may improve the quality of human life but may also create obstacles to health and safety, especially in growing children who are vulnerable to injury and the effects of stress. It should be pointed out that the introduction of ergonomics into the school environment is an urgent issue in promoting safety and preserving health among children. A proactive approach must be taken to eliminate the foreseeable ergonomic problems in schools caused by use of these technologies. The upsurge of related research approaches and organizational activities of the Japan Ergonomics Society (hereinafter referred to as “JES”) are briefly reviewed in this paper.