SCHOOL FURNITURE AND PUPIL BACK CARE

That this House expresses concern that around 10 per cent. of teenagers are reporting back pain troublesome enough to visit their general practitioner or a physical therapist with eight per cent. (up to three per class) reporting some disability from recurrent or chronic symptoms; notes that these complaints are being exacerbated in no small part by ill-fitting and lowest cost furniture within schools, lack of locker space resulting in heavy load-carrying and a lack of adequate exercise during the school day; further notes that these complaints affect the performance, self-esteem and relationships and participation in school and sporting activities of these young people and, if not corrected, will often develop into longer-term back problems; further notes that much of this furniture currently used in schools, if used in the workplace, would be deemed illegal under existing health and safety legislation; and so calls upon the Government to facilitate the introduction of furniture into schools that is adjustable, can cater for the wide variation in height in a given age group and is ergonomically sound and conducive to a good sitting posture.