Computer health and safety awareness among Maltese 13-14 year old girls and boys

Abstract

Overuse or misuse of computer carries the risk of a number of hazards, namely physical, emotional, social and economic. Local data investigating this issue is quite limited. This study investigates to what extent today's younger generation is being made aware of such hazards through the school curricula, focusing on the physical and social aspects of the problem. The findings were reflected on a Maltese national scale. The research concern was approached through the quantitative paradigm, albeit utilizing data collection instruments pertaining to both quantitative (such as questionnaires) and qualitative methods (through structured interviews). The results of this study showed that, despite the fact that schools have the same curriculum, students attending different educational institutions differ in their general level of awareness. Gender was also noted as a key variable. This research shows how certain aspects in the curriculum are being properly addressed, while others need further emphasis. A change in the national school curriculum is proposed suggesting the importance of incorporating more awareness concerning the health and safety issues related to computer use, and of providing more educational consciousness to the teachers and parents involved.