Promoting wise use of computers by children: a road map for the future

摘要

At the IEA 2003 congress we proposed a pathway to evidence based guidelines for wise use of computers by children. Since then we have reviewed the evidence, conducted further research to fill gaps in the evidence and prepared draft evidence-based guidelines. We have presented these draft guidelines at international conferences and hosted international discussion on them. We currently have a manuscript detailing over-arching principles for wise use of computers by children in review, along with another manuscript detailing physical guidelines, in particular workstation set-up for children. Further detailed guidelines covering the cognitive and social aspects of child-computer interaction are planned.The current paper will present options for dissemination and promotion of these guidelines. These include the role of the IEA and its member organisations and special interest groups in promoting the guidelines within their jurisdictions and providing translation into multiple languages. Also discussed are the role of scientific publishers and the use of freely available articles from subscription scientific journals. The use of traditional mass media will be outlined, along with the use of new mass media such as YouTube and FaceBook. Finally, the role of lobbying to government, education authorities and the computing industry will be discussed. Given the increasing exposure of young people to computers, and the central role computers now play in the lives of many young people, the importance of ergonomics providing appropriate and relevant guidelines is critical for positive child-computer outcomes. This area also provides a great opportunity for ergonomics to become more widely known and appreciated by the next generation.