Cited by 55Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal DisordersChild Development and Digital TechnologyImpact of Technology on Adolescents

Mobile technology dominates school children’s IT use in an advantaged school community and is associated with musculoskeletal and visual symptoms

Straker, Leon, Harris, Courtenay, Joosten, John, Howie, Erin K.·2018·Ergonomics

Abstract

This paper describes the contemporary use of information technology devices by children in a socio-educationally advantaged school. A sample of 924 children (50% girls) from grades 5 to 12 (ages 10-19 years) completed an online survey in class. Total daily technology use was high and similar for girls (mean 219 (SD 148) mins/day) and boys (207 (142), p=.186). Tablet computer was the dominant device used in grades 5-9, with laptop computer the dominant device in grades 10-12. Patterns of exposure were influenced by gender, device, grade and purpose of use interactions. For example, girls used mobile phones more than boys for social purposes for grades 10 and 11, but not grade 12. Whilst children's attitudes to technology use were positive, musculoskeletal and visual symptoms were commonly reported. Hours/day tablet and phone use was related to neck/shoulder discomfort (OR = 1.07; 1.13) and visual symptoms (OR = 1.10; 1.07). Practitioner Summary: Technology use by children appears to be quite different now to a decade ago. This paper describes contemporary school children's use of various devices for various purposes. The survey of >900 children found high technology use, dominated by new mobile technologies, and associations with musculoskeletal and visual symptoms.

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1080/00140139.2017.1401671

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Authors
Straker, L., Harris, C., Joosten, J., & Howie, E. K.
Affiliations
  • Curtin University (AU)
  • John XXIII College, Perth, Australia
Corresponding author
Straker, Leon
Venue
Ergonomics
Published
2017-12-13
Volume
61
Issue
5
Pages
658-669
ISSN
  • 0014-0139 (ISSN-L)
  • 1366-5847
OpenAlex
W2767493670
Cited by
55
References
48
Citations by year
2025: 3 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 1
FWCI
5.88
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Ergonomics (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • eSpace (Curtin University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Social Sciences › Education › Child Development and Digital Technology
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Keywords
elementary school students, information technology use, mobile technology, tablet computers, mobile devices, laptop computers, musculoskeletal symptoms, neck and shoulder discomfort, visual disturbances, gender differences, adolescents
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Attitude to Computers, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Microcomputers, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Surveys and Questionnaires, Regression Analysis, Schools, Students, Television, Vision Disorders, Western Australia, Sex Distribution, Computers, Handheld, Cell Phone, Young Adult

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