Study guide · 7.1

Avoid health risks and physical harm while using digital technologies

Using technology for long periods can affect your body, and using the internet carries risks to your privacy, money and safety. Universal design aims to make hardware usable by as many people as possible.

A study feature written by ExamDragon, not part of the real exam. Each heading is one of Certiport's skills for this objective.

7.1.1Describe health risks of standard computing practices

Eye strain: follow the 20-20-20 habit (every 20 minutes look at something about 20 feet, or 6 metres, away for 20 seconds) and reduce glare.
Posture: keep the top of the screen near eye level, feet flat, back supported and wrists straight.
Repetitive strain injuries can come from long, repeated typing or mouse use; take regular breaks and stretch.
Long sitting is linked to health problems; stand up and move at least once an hour.
Screen use late at night can disturb sleep; stop using screens some time before bed.
Keep listening volume moderate to protect your hearing, and keep cables and devices placed safely to avoid trips and overheating.

Example: A student who studies for hours raises her laptop on a stand, uses a separate keyboard and sets a timer to take a short break every 30 minutes.

7.1.2Describe risks of internet use

Malware and phishing can steal data or money; do not open unexpected links or attachments.
Scams and fraud include fake shops, prize messages and requests for urgent payment.
Oversharing personal details (address, school, holiday plans) can expose you to identity theft or physical risk.
Cyberbullying and contact from strangers with harmful intentions are real risks, especially for young people; block, report and tell a trusted adult.
Misinformation spreads quickly; check before you believe or share.
Excessive use can crowd out sleep, exercise and time with people; set limits.

Example: A teenager receives a message promising a free phone if he clicks a link and enters his details; he recognises it as a scam, deletes it and reports it.

7.1.3Describe the purpose of universal hardware design

Universal design means creating products that as many people as possible can use, whatever their age, size or ability, without special adaptation.
Examples: adjustable monitor stands, keyboards with large or high-contrast keys, voice control and built-in screen readers.
Features such as captions, haptic feedback, adjustable text size and multiple ways to give input help everyone, not only people with disabilities.
Assistive technologies, such as switch devices, braille displays and eye-tracking, add to universal design for specific needs.
Universal design reduces the need for costly specialised equipment and includes more users.

Example: A phone's voice assistant helps a person with limited hand movement send messages, and also helps a driver keep both hands on the wheel.

Key terms

Ergonomics: Designing a workspace to fit the body and reduce strain or injury.
Repetitive strain injury: Pain or damage caused by repeating the same movement many times.
Phishing: A fraudulent message designed to trick you into giving information or clicking a harmful link.
Universal design: Designing products usable by the widest range of people without adaptation.
Assistive technology: Tools that help people with disabilities use devices.

Easy to confuse

Universal design is for everyone, not only for people with disabilities.
A message from a familiar name can still be phishing; the account may be spoofed or hacked.
Night light reduces glare but is not a substitute for breaks and enough sleep.

After this guide: You can describe health risks of computer use and of the internet, how to reduce them, and the purpose of universal design.