“School days are the happiest days of your life” is the often-repeated maxim designed to shut down complaints of homework overload and exam stress. In 1972, the UK raised the school leaving age to 16 meaning that our children will spend at least 12 years of their lives in the education system, sitting at desks. In the 48 years since, classrooms have seen significant changes, not least of which has been the transformative effect of the internet.
However, one thing that hasn’t changed much at all is the humble school desk. Ancient, clunky desks more at home in a Victorian schoolhouse than a modern classroom still blight the lives of many schoolchildren.
Short of starting a letter-writing campaign aimed at your local school principal, there isn’t much we can do to tackle the poor quality of school seating. What we can do however, is ensure that the seating and home office desk set-up your child uses at home is optimal.
According to The Telegraph, the average UK pupil spends 4.9 hours per week on homework. That’s almost one hour per school night or about 15% of the total time your child spends on their education. That’s a significant portion of time your child could benefit from using a height adjustable desk.
4 Ways a Height Adjustable Standing Desk Can Help Your Child
In addition to the benefits we’ve outlined previously (Height Adjustable Desks and Benefits), child-specific benefits have been found through extensive research on the effect of standing desks on school-aged children.
1. Increased Concentration and Engagement
Getting children to focus is not easy. And while concentration problems are very common in children, it can be even more of a struggle to get a child to concentrate in a classroom or home learning environment.
However, standing periodically throughout the day, facilitated by a height-adjustable desk, can help prevent the physical discomfort and restlessness that can occur from prolonged sitting down.
This movement can also stimulate blood flow, which may increase alertness and sustain attention levels.
The variation of standing and sitting at a desk may also help prevent boredom and fatigue, keeping children more engaged with their tasks over extended periods.
2. Ergonomic Support
Children come in various shapes and sizes, and a one-size-fits-all approach to desk height can be uncomfortable and even harmful in the long run.
A height-adjustable desk, however, allows you to tailor the desk's height to your child's specific needs, promoting proper posture and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
Studies have shown that pupils who have used standing desks reported less musculoskeletal discomfort in the shoulders, neck, elbows and lower back. Given that most girls grow until the age of 15 and boys continue growing until 16, preventing early-onset musculoskeletal problems is essential.
Learn more about the many health benefits of standing desks here.
3. It Could Assist Children with ADHD
Research has also shown that standing desks could help children with ADHD.
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition which affects both adults and children.
Children with ADHD often have excess energy and difficulty sitting still for long periods. But by using a standing desk, children have the freedom to move freely while working, which can help constructively channel their energy.
4. Enhanced Mood
Did you know that standing and moving activate various muscle groups, which naturally prompt the release of endorphins (natural chemicals in the body known for their mood-boosting properties).
Switching between standing and sitting while working will therefore increase endorphin levels, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being.
Standing desks are also great for children as sitting for long periods can lead to feelings of physical and mental fatigue. These feelings would be greatly reduced if children had the opportunity to change positions while working at a desk.
The Best Standing Desks for Children
Ergo Desk’s range of height adjustable desks, when paired with one of our ergonomic chairs, can provide the perfect set-up for your child to complete any homework or exam revision.
1. The Liberty Electric Desk
The Liberty Electric Desk can be set to a wide ranges of heights (715mm - 1190mm) with the ability to save up to four settings, making it the ideal family desk. On top of being one of the most affordable models we offer, The Liberty has proven to be a customer favourite for its remarkable build quality. The Liberty is available in five fantastic finishes and starts at £375 (exc. VAT).
2. The Autonomy Pro Rise
If you’d prefer something a bit more compact, the single leg Autonomy Pro Rise comes in a range of desktop sizes and three distinct shapes; rectangular, circular and kidney in addition to the larger range of height settings available (675mm - 1295mm). This makes the Autonomy Pro Rise the ideal height adjustable desk for a child’s bedroom.
All of our desks come with a 7-year warranty.
3. The Atlas Mini Standing Desk
The Atlas Mini is a small standing desk, designed to fit more efficiently into smaller rooms - ideal for a child's bedroom or small classroom. It features a sturdy and high-quality dual motor system, with anti-collision motors and many accessory options to create the ultimate space-saving desk.
This desk has a maximum height variation whilst keeping a space-saving footprint which broadens the potential of use in any environment, and comes in a range of colours and frames.
