Courtenay Harris

The influence of age, gender and other information technology use on young people's computer use at school and home

Young people are exposed to a range of information technologies (IT) in different environments, including home and school, however the factors influencing IT use at home and school are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate young peoples computer exposure patterns at home and school, and related factors such as age, gender and the types of IT used. 1351 children in Years 1, 6, 9 and 11 from 10 schools in metropolitan Western Australia were surveyed. Most children had access to computers at home and school, with computer exposures comparable to TV, reading and writing. Total computer exposure was greater at home than school, and increased with age. Computer activities varied with age and gender and became more social with increased age, at the same time parental involvement reduced. Bedroom computer use was found to result in higher exposure patterns. High use of home and school computers were associated with each other. Associations varied depending on the type of IT exposure measure (frequency, mean weekly hours, usual and longest duration). The frequency and duration of childrens computer exposure were associated with a complex interplay of the environment of use, the participants age and gender and other IT activities.

Scarring a Generation of School Children Through Poor Introduction of Information Technology in Schools

Educational authorities worldwide are rapidly increasing the exposure of school children to computers. However what limited evidence is available suggests information technology is not being introduced appropriately for children and undesirable sequelae are anticipated. This paper reports on two studies on computers and children. One study investigated 24 schools in Canada and Australia and included assessments of physical environments and psychosocial environments in IT rich classrooms. A questionnaire was also completed by 1404 students. The findings included that physical aspects of computer workstations were rated poorest. The other study investigated 3 schools in Australia with mandatory laptop programs. A main finding was that 60% of the 314 students questioned reported discomfort using their computer. The potential implications of poor management of IT use by school children are discussed and suggestions made for ergonomics research. Without accurate and valid guildelines - and effective implementation of these guidelines - scarring or a whole generation of school children is predicted.

Children, computer exposure and musculoskeletal outcomes: the development of pathway models for school and home computer-related musculoskeletal outcomes

Childrens computer use is rapidly growing, together with reports of related musculoskeletal outcomes. Models and theories of adult-related risk factors demonstrate multivariate risk factors associated with computer use. Childrens use of computers is different from adults computer use at work. This study developed and tested a child-specific model demonstrating multivariate relationships between musculoskeletal outcomes, computer exposure and child factors. Using pathway modelling, factors such as gender, age, television exposure, computer anxiety, sustained attention (flow), socio-economic status and somatic complaints (headache and stomach pain) were found to have effects on childrens reports of musculoskeletal symptoms. The potential for childrens computer exposure to follow a dose–response relationship was also evident. Developing a child-related model can assist in understanding risk factors for childrens computer use and support the development of recommendations to encourage children to use this valuable resource in educational, recreational and communication environments in a safe and productive manner. Practitioner Summary: Computer use is an important part of childrens school and home life. Application of this developed model, that encapsulates related risk factors, enables practitioners, researchers, teachers and parents to develop strategies that assist young people to use information technology for school, home and leisure in a safe and productive manner.

A socioeconomic related 'digital divide' exists in how, not if, young people use computers

Government initiatives have tried to ensure uniform computer access for young people; however a divide related to socioeconomic status (SES) may still exist in the nature of information technology (IT) use. This study aimed to investigate this relationship in 1,351 Western Australian children between 6 and 17 years of age. All participants had computer access at school and 98.9% at home. Neighbourhood SES was related to computer use, IT activities, playing musical instruments, and participating in vigorous physical activity. Participants from higher SES neighbourhoods were more exposed to school computers, reading, playing musical instruments, and vigorous physical activity. Participants from lower SES neighbourhoods were more exposed to TV, electronic games, mobile phones, and non-academic computer activities at home. These patterns may impact future economic, academic, and health outcomes. Better insight into neighbourhood SES influences will assist in understanding and managing the impact of computer use on young people’s health and development.

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

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.