Rules for safe work at the computer

Sitting correctly at the computer protects your health. Keep your back straight, your feet on the floor and your elbows resting freely on the desk. The screen should be about 50–70 cm from your eyes, with its top edge at eye level or slightly lower.

Eyes get tired quickly when they look at a screen for a long time. Every 20–30 minutes, stop working, look at something far away, do some eye exercises and walk around a little. The room should be well lit, but the light must not reflect in the screen.

Electrical safety matters too. Do not touch sockets, wires or plugged-in devices with wet hands. Do not open the cover of the system unit, and do not spill water or drinks on the devices. If you notice smoke or a burning smell, do not touch the computer and tell your teacher at once.

You also need to protect your data. Never tell anyone your password, and do not use your name or birthday as a password. Do not click unknown links or open files from strangers. If you see something suspicious, tell an adult.

Key takeaways

• Keep your back straight, feet on the floor and the screen about 50–70 cm away.
• Take a break every 20–30 minutes and rest your eyes.
• Do not touch sockets and wires with wet hands, and do not spill liquids on devices.
• If you notice smoke or a burning smell, tell your teacher at once.
• Never share your password and do not click unknown links.