Back Ache in Schools

Some School Chairs

can be a

Real Pain in the Back

This article recently featured on CBBC's Newsround programme:

If you've ever suffered from back ache you're not alone - nearly half of you will have had some kind of back pain by the time you're 11, new research shows.

Part of the problem is the chairs you sit on at school as many were designed for an average-sized child from the 1960s, who were much shorter.

But teachers can get special chairs if they have back problems and now some politicians think you should too.

One school in Kent has already started using chairs that support kids' backs.

Check out a back expert's advice for preventing back pain

The chairs are fully adjustable and pupils say they make lessons a lot more comfortable.

The only problem is, furniture like this can be really expensive so not all schools will be getting them.

But there's still stuff you can do to protect your backs - experts reckon another great way to beat pain is to get out and exercise!

This is what some of your pupils think about their chairs..........

"We think the chairs in our school are really uncomfortable and that we should have the chairs that are in the IT room in every lesson (swivel, comfy chairs)!!"

Jess and Lauren, 14, East Sussex, England

"I think it should be comfortable, but not too comfortable because we'd be too distracted to pay attention to lessons, so there should only be padded chairs."

Suhayb, 8, London, England

"No. Our school chairs are perfect. They are soft and there is a button - if it is hot outside or in the class, it makes you nice and cool. If it is cold in the class or outside, the opposite."

Janfer, 8, Azerbaijan

"I'm in secondary school now and the chairs kill! You come home and just flop onto the sofa. Heaven!"

Izzy, 11, Bristol, England

"I think that all school chairs should be replaced with chairs that are better for your back."

Chloe, 12, Essex, England

"We want leather relaxing chairs with built in massager and a drinks dispenser. The desk should be loaded with technology like MP3 players, games consoles and a built in cinema."

Class 4A, age 8, Essex, England

Look out for EN1729

The New European Standard for all Classroom Chairs

It is common knowledge that school children have grown in stature over the past 20 to 30 years.

EN1729 readdresses the balance between a set age range and a defined seat height. See the charts below:

Old Chair Heights v Age Range

Size 1: 280mm = 3 - 5 Years

Size 2: 320mm = 5 - 7 Years

Size 3: 355mm = 7 - 9 Years

Size 4: 390mm = 9-13 Years

Size 5: 430mm = 13 - Adult

EN1729 Chair Heights v Age Range

Size 1: 260mm = 1 - 2 Years

Size 2: 310mm = 3 - 5 Years

Size 3: 350mm = 5 - 7 Years

Size 4: 380mm = 7 - 9 Years

Size 5: 430mm = 9-13 Years

Size 6: 460mm = 13 - Adult

EN1729 Part 1 also states that classroom chairs should have certain Back Support contact points, so as to encourage correct posture. Correct or good posture not only means pupils will remain healthier but also means they will remain more comfortable and therefore more attentive in class.

So what is the best solution?

There are a number of solutions to which is the best chair - Some say the all singing and dancing Height Adjustable, Swivel Chair is the best but then not everyone can afford them at around £35 each.

Then there is the fixed height seating range - Probably the best being the Single Piece Poly Chair which starts at £9.95each. Brightly coloured and completely classroom safe it is one of the most robust chairs on the market.

"I am in high school now and the chairs are not comfy at all! Most of them are broken and when I get home from school, my back is killing me. I think that the government should let all schools have the special chairs."

Shivani, 12, Middlesex, England

"In school I often get back ache and most chairs in my class are different sizes."

Kieran, 11, Glasgow, Scotland

"School desks are OK in normal lessons but in DT the seats are awful! In art and history we have stools, but because I have a back condition I get a chair :)"

Emma, 12, Gateshead, England

"Yes. The school chairs are very uncomfortable and getting home to an armchair or leather chair is a blessing."

Adam, 12, Swansea, Wales

"My school is really uncomfortable, especially the chairs - my bottom aches at the end of a lesson."

Hana, 11, London, England

"In my science lessons we have to sit on stools - I have science every day for two hours and so when I get home my back is hurting."

Sam, 14, Sheffield, England