New Media, children and RSIs possess a strong connection, previously unexplored and unexposed.
There are various reasons for concern when considering RSI, however the notion that a whole generation could be plagued by its ill-effects is of primary consideration. There have already been workers compensation claims lodged by adults relating to computer-related RSIs in the workplace. “The true prevalence is unknown, as there may be many cases which did not result in workers’ compensation claims,� (Gardner et al, 1998). One can only imagine the magnifying effect that newer technologies, in varying forms, may have on a new generation in twenty or thirty years.
It is becoming a trend for children to “edit� their own work at school in technology classrooms at an early age. Some schools require upper primary and secondary students to carry their own laptop top school with them. This was once almost unheard of and restricted to elite schools, but is now seeping into middle-suburbia. More recently, the educational value of this practice has been questioned (Whitefield, 1998).
To read about Laptops and other Wireless technologies, click Applications of wireless technologies
The personal planners of the 90s were popular amongst children, some including video games (which were aimed at boys), and some which included a ‘perfect match’ system (which was aimed at girls).
Obviously the Gameboy and similar devices were popular amongst children as well as adults, featuring registered trademark games such as Pokemon and Barbie.
Somewhat surprising though is the frequency of children’s mobile phone use.
This can be attributed to the feeling of independence that a private phone line can provide to a child. Also, parents claim to have felt more secure in the knowledge that their child can contact them (or is contactable by them) wherever they may be. Also, prepaid mobile deals give parents an opportunity to limit their child’s call costs.
SMS messaging has become popular, possibly because it’s more economical. There is no flag fall and a standard rate applies. Even children lead busy lives in this day, so time is of the essence.
A young woman from Singapore recently won the title of fastest SMS messager (Arnfield, 2004). It came as no surprise to Kimberley Yeo’s service provider that she possessed this skill, as the twenty-three year old sends about 1500 messages per month (average of 50 per day).
To read about Mobile Technologies, click Mobile Communications
The combination of these new technologies looks detrimental to the future. While an older generation can pinpoint the reasons for their pain as being computer-related, this younger, seemingly oblivious, generation is exposing itself to such a cocktail of risk factors.
1. (2003) Young People and Mobile Phones (speech) NSW Commission for Children and Young People Website. http://www.kids.nsw.gov.au/news/speeches/1071185870_15494.html 2/9/04
2. Arnfield, R (2004) New Text Messaging Record Set Wireless News website http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_title=New_Text_Messaging_Speed_Record_Set&story_id=25612 2/9/04
3. Gardner, Dr I et al(1998) RSI Consensus Statement The Australasian Faculty of Ocupational Medicine website. http://www.racp.edu.au/afom/rsi.htm 2/9/04
4. Whitefield, T (1998) Accounting, Technology and Bloom! BEA Conference website http://www.pa.ash.org.au/afssse/members/bea/conference/papers/whitefield.htm 2/9/04
Wiki entry: Applications_of_wireless_technologies
Wiki entry: Mobile_Communications
Wiki entry: Mobile_Phones:Health_and_Society_-_Children
BronwynRees 11:01, 10 Sep 2004 (EST)
childrens health-media connection
BronwynRees 09:32, 26 Oct 2004 (EST)
