From hauling heavy backpacks to curling over keyboards, students face ergonomic hazards every day. Here’s how to promote physical functioning and ergonomics at your school.

<h2>Ergonomics in the Classroom and Beyond: Tips for OTs</h2><p>Unfortunately, ergonomics is often an afterthought. Many of us don’t consider <strong><em>how</em></strong> we perform daily tasks of living until we’re in quite a bind. “Ergonomics” doesn’t even enter our lexicon until the pain of repetitive stress or the dysfunction of poor posture kicks in. And compounding physical dysfunctions don’t usually bother us until we’ve put on higher miles – until we’re older, or we’ve had jobs or hobbies that involve repetition.</p><p>At that point, it can almost seem like it’s too late. Attempting to return to proper functioning and well-being can feel like pushing a boulder uphill.</p><p>That’s why (as OTs, PTs, and others focused on physical function and well-being know) it’s wise to teach students about ergonomics early. We can teach them that ergonomics is about prevention. It’s about starting early, keeping at it, and making adjustments as necessary. School is the perfect place to start.</p><h2>Ergonomic Hazards for Kids – In and Out of School</h2><p>Children and teens face ergonomic hazards every day. Consider the daily activities of living kids engage in and how they can contribute to increasing physical dysfunctions:</p><ul><li>Hauling around overloaded backpacks or carrying bags on one shoulder</li><li>Hunching over cell phones</li><li>Slouching down in seats</li><li>Curling over computers</li><li>Lying in bed to do homework</li><li>Using a keyboard or mouse incorrectly</li><li>Developing thumb and hand problems from texting and messaging</li><li>Staring at computer screens without blinking</li><li>Viewing blue light late at night</li><li>Having insufficient workspaces and lighting for homework</li><li>Spending hours on video games</li><li>Living a sedentary lifestyle</li><li>Undergoing growth spurts and hormonal changes</li><li>Developing dysfunctions due to existing issues like scoliosis, sports injury, juvenile arthritis, childhood obesity, uncorrected vision, hearing impairment, etc.</li><li>Coping with socioeconomic factors such as neglect, malnourishment, homelessness, outgrown shoes or clothes</li></ul><h2>How to Help Students Through Ergonomics</h2><p>School-based professionals in roles focused on activities of daily living and physical health can help the school community develop better ergonomics and prevent many of these injuries and dysfunctions. <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search-results?what=OT&amp;where=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Occupational therapists</a>, <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search-results?what=Physical+Therapist&amp;where=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">physical therapists</a>, <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search-results?what=Adapted+PE&amp;where=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">adapted PE teachers</a>, <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search-results?what=School+Nurses&amp;where=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">school nurses</a> and administrators can help students, parents, guardians and staff learn about ergonomics. Consider creating a new ergonomics program for your school or district! Here are ergonomic tips and resources to think about including in your planning:</p><ol><li><strong>Carrying your backpack.</strong> This <a href="https://ehs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1408/2020/09/Backpack-Ergonomics.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">downloadable flyer from UW Madison University Health Services</a> is designed for college students but has great advice you can share with kids of all ages, including:</li></ol><ul><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Limit the weight in your backpack</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Carry only what you need</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Clean it out</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Use both straps</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Buy the right backpack</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Wear it below your shoulders and above your hips</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Lift with your legs</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Use both hands&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Using a cellphone. </strong>Increasingly, students are developing “tech neck,” aka postural kyphosis. Short of banning phone use altogether (good luck!), educators can encourage parents to use the three exercises recommended by <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/worried-about-your-kids-hunching-over-their-phones-these-3-ncna1020421" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shevaun Mackie Doyle, MD, in this NBC News article</a>:</li></ol><ul><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Stand against a wall for a minute to take breaks</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Put down the phone when you walk instead of “wexting”</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Roll shoulders up, down and back 5–10 times</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Sitting at a desk.</strong> Teaching proper sitting posture is essential for spinal alignment and avoiding possible issues with kyphosis, scoliosis, musculoskeletal pain, digestive problems, and more, according to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3yVPHI7xsI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this video from Ergonomic Trends</a>. The presenters recommend that students:</li></ol><ul><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Follow 90-90-90 – sitting with ankles, knees and hips at 90-degree angles.</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Keep elbows between 90–110 degrees when typing</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Keep your wrists in a straight, neutral position when typing</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Avoid hunching over and bending the neck.</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Sit at a desk and chair designed for their height</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Keep feet on the floor</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Using computers, tablets, e-readers, phones and other technological devices.</strong> Kids can develop eye strain, computer vision syndrome, neck and shoulder pain and even long-term problems from exposure to blue light and computer screens, according to <a href="https://www.uclahealth.org/news/remote-schooling-are-your-kids-more-susceptible-to-computer-vision-syndrome" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UCLA Health</a>. They suggest that students:</li></ol><ul><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Use computer glasses and blue-light-blocking screen protectors.</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Blink frequently and use artificial tears when needed</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Adjust screen brightness to match the surrounding environment</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Use a mat screen cover to reduce glare</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Switch to glasses for a break during the day if wearing contacts</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Use the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.</li></ul><ol><li>Addressing additional ergonomic challenges. Educators are uniquely positioned to identify ergonomic issues and get kids the resources they need. In addition to promoting the healthy habits above, educators can:</li></ol><ul><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Get students set up with equipment (like a computer mouse, keyboard, chair, or desk) that suits their size.</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Encourage kids and parents to create a homework station and avoid doing homework in bed or on a couch.</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Educate kids and parents about how blue light can impact sleep and advise them not to view blue light after sunset.</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Talk about the importance of staying active, exercising, getting outside, avoiding excessive time gaming or being on social media.</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Ensure students with special needs, disabilities or injuries have access to the tools they need to function optimally</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Reach out to social workers or advocates to connect students with resources to ensure they have appropriate shoes, clothing, food and other resources that might impact physical functioning and wellness.</li></ul><p>As an educational professional, you have an unmatched opportunity to teach your school community about ergonomics and to model healthy behaviors. Your influences can last a lifetime. If you have any questions about the importance of ergonomics among young people, the next time you’re walking down the hallway, look around! Help those kids – the ones burdened by their backpacks, caving around their cellphones and sliding down into their seats –&nbsp;to stand tall!</p><p>To find out where your specialized skills are needed at exciting locations across the nation, browse our <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">education jobs</a> now.</p>

School OT Resources: Ergonomics for Students