Ergonomic Design for Young Users of Mobile Phones

Abstract

Children and adolescents increasingly use mobile phones worldwide. The Report Information and Communications for Development 2012 shows that between 2000 and 2012 the world-wide use of mobile phones has grown from 1 to about 6 billion, resulting in a mobile revolution that is changing our lifestyles. After less than forty years, mobile phones, initially complex, heavy and expensive have become light, handy, economic, visually attractive and multifunctional. These technological and aesthetic improvements allowed high usability for all, especially for children. The physical, cognitive and social ergonomic characteristics of mobile phones for younger users need to be considered in order to ensure their wellbeing: physical ergonomics implies for example the prevention of awkward postures, musculoskeletal disorders, eye sight and hearing overload, electromagnetic fields exposure; cognitive ergonomics includes the prevention of dual tasks (such as texting while driving/walking), over connection, addiction and abuse; social ergonomics might prevent cyberbullism, sex messaging, self and other aggressive and violent behavior. As an example of precaution, this paper discusses how different countries have started education campaigns for the safe use of mobile phones among children, by minimizing radiofrequency exposures, according to international recommendations and the precautionary principles.

Keywords: children, adolescents, mobile phone, ergonomics

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1001265