by Moira Holden
Pupils are suffering from bad backs because school desks and chairs aren't fitted properly, claims a new study.
Cheap school furniture is putting pressure on youngsters' posture says a report by Charles Clarke, the former Education Secretary.
In his report for the British Educational Suppliers Association, Mr Clarke warned many of today's school chairs were designed for children in the 1960s. But today's children are taller.
Teachers must have desks and chairs which have been ergonomically tested to ensure they are at a suitable height for them. But there are no rules for children.
Instead, Mr Clarke found the main consideration for pupils' furniture was the 'lowest unit price'.
'Sitting for extended periods on chairs that are of inappropriate size and that lack ergonomic design, and at desks or tables whose height relative to the chair is incorrect, and will be uncomfortable,' he said.
'The Back Pain Association is convinced that schools are a significant source of back problems.'
The association says sizes have now been updated and it wants the Government to buy more adjustable furniture in the school rebuilding programme.
Mr Clarke said: 'Our children are likely to be spending thousands of hours of their school lives on chairs and at desks where their posture is poor and the potential for damage to backs is great.'
Back pain is one of the biggest reasons for absence from work. Mr Clarke said the cost to the NHS was 'astronomical'.
