Student desks and chairs meeting Ministry of Health standards: What parents need to know to protect their children's health

Student desks and chairs meeting Ministry of Health standards: What parents need to know to protect their children's health

1 week ago

Nowadays, the issue of sitting posture and school health is receiving increasing attention. The Ministry of Health of Vietnam has issued technical standards for student desks and chairs to help prevent hunchback, scoliosis, and school-related myopia — problems that are becoming increasingly common among Vietnamese children. However, not all parents or schools fully understand these criteria to choose the right, standard-compliant products.

In this article, from the perspective of RPB Education & Public — an expert in school furniture — we will help you gain a deeper understanding of the Ministry of Health’s standards, how to select compliant desks and chairs, and why the Smart Zico height-adjustable desk is the optimal solution for students from grade 1 to grade 12.

The Importance of Student Desks and Chairs Meeting Ministry of Health Standards

Proper Sitting Posture – The Foundation of School Health

According to Decision No. 1221/BYT dated April 18, 2000, issued by the Ministry of Health, student desks and chairs must be designed based on ergonomic principles, meaning they must suit students’ body proportions, vision, and physical development at different ages. A desk that is not the right height or not proportionate to the chair can cause students to hunch forward, twist their backs, or crane their necks, leading to spinal curvature and neck or shoulder strain.

A study by the National Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health (2021) found that more than 65% of primary school students in Vietnam sit in incorrect postures. Prolonged poor posture not only affects the musculoskeletal system but also reduces concentration, causes headaches, eye strain, and decreases learning efficiency. Therefore, desks and chairs meeting Ministry of Health standards are not only a technical requirement but also a key factor in protecting children’s physical and mental health.

School Desks and Chairs Meeting Ministry of Health Standards: What Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Children’s Health

RPB Education & Public student desks and chairs meet Ministry of Health standards, ensuring natural back alignment, proper eye–desk distance, and improved posture and focus.

Student Desk and Chair Standards According to the Ministry of Health

Size Compatibility by Age and Height

According to the National Technical Regulation QCVN 03:2011/BGDĐT, jointly issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Training, there are five standard desk and chair sizes corresponding to different student age groups. For example:

  • Size No. 1 for primary students (height 1.1m – 1.3m): Desk height 52cm, chair height 30cm.
  • Size No. 5 for high school students (height 1.6m – 1.8m): Desk height 75cm, chair height 45cm.

The Ministry of Health recommends that the difference between desk and chair height should remain within 20–30cm, helping students sit upright without hunching or leaning forward.

This shows that a fixed desk cannot adapt to a student’s height growth over the years. Therefore, the Smart Zico adjustable desk was developed to fully address this issue — allowing easy height adjustment suitable for each stage of student development.

Smart Zico – The School Furniture Solution Meeting Ministry of Health Standards

Designed According to Ergonomic Principles

The Smart Zico adjustable desk by RPB Education & Public is designed in compliance with the QCVN 03:2011/BGDĐT standard, ensuring perfect balance between desk, chair, and student posture. When seated, the student’s arms form a 90–100° angle, the back remains naturally straight, feet rest flat on the floor, and eyes are 25–30cm away from the desktop — the ideal posture recommended by the Ministry of Health to prevent back pain and school-related myopia. In addition, the 700x500mm tabletop provides ample workspace for writing, reading, or using laptops. The anti-glare, non-reflective surface helps protect students’ eyesight under classroom lighting conditions.

Safe and Environmentally Friendly Materials

The Smart Zico adjustable desk uses 18mm thick MFC boards coated with Melamine, a material that meets the European E1 standard for formaldehyde emissions, ensuring it does not cause skin irritation or release harmful odors. The tabletop surface is scratch-resistant, moisture-proof, and easy to clean, making it ideal for high-frequency use in school environments.

The desk frame is made from 30x60mm oval steel tubes with a powder-coated finish, providing excellent durability, load-bearing capacity, and rust resistance over time. Every edge is carefully rounded for safety, preventing potential injuries — one of the key safety criteria set by the Ministry of Health for school equipment.

The Smart Zico adjustable desk meets Ministry of Health standards — eco-friendly, water-resistant, safe, and built to last.

The Smart Zico adjustable desk meets Ministry of Health standards — eco-friendly, water-resistant, safe, and built to last.

Health Benefits of Using Desks That Meet Ministry of Health Standards

Reduces the Risk of Spinal Deformities and Hunchback

A proper sitting posture helps distribute body weight evenly across the spine, reducing pressure on the lower back and neck-shoulder area. Studies show that students using desks and chairs that meet ergonomic standards experience 40–60% fewer spinal pain and posture-related issues compared to those using fixed desks of incorrect height.

The Smart Zico adjustable desk, with its flexible height adjustment, allows students of all ages to maintain the ideal sitting posture. Whether in Grade 1 or Grade 12, students can easily adjust the desk height to match their body growth — eliminating the need for frequent replacements.

Supports Eye Health and Improves Concentration

According to the National Institute of Ophthalmology, the rate of school-related myopia in Vietnam increases by 10–15% annually, primarily due to students bending too close to the desk or using furniture of incorrect height. The Smart Zico desk maintains the optimal eye-to-desk distance, preventing excessive leaning and reducing the risk of visual strain, thereby helping students stay more focused during lessons.

Enhances Learning Efficiency and Motivation

A comfortable study environment helps students stay attentive for longer periods. When they are free from back pain, eye strain, or discomfort, they can maintain a positive energy level throughout class time. In fact, schools equipped with Smart Zico adjustable desks have reported that students sit more upright, are less distracted, and show greater engagement and enthusiasm in learning.

Tips for Choosing Standard Student Desks and Chairs for Schools and Parents

For Parents Choosing Desks at Home

When selecting a study desk for children, parents should ensure the desk and chair height match the child’s body proportions. Avoid choosing furniture that is too high or too low, as this can affect posture and vision. For children aged 6 to 18, an adjustable desk is a worthwhile long-term investment, as it can adapt to their growth without frequent replacement.

Parents should also pay attention to product certifications. The Smart Zico adjustable desk is certified under ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ensuring safety, sustainability, and long-lasting durability.

For Multi-Level Schools

For multi-level schools, factors such as uniformity, durability, and cost efficiency are key. Smart Zico meets all these criteria thanks to its adjustable design, sturdy construction, and easy maintenance. One model can serve multiple grade levels, helping schools optimize investment costs while maintaining aesthetic harmony and compliance with health standards.

Many schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang have chosen RPB Education & Public as their trusted partner for student furniture — not only because of its Ministry of Health-certified products, but also for its modern design and long-term warranty policy.

Choosing the Smart Zico adjustable desk helps prevent hunchback, spinal curvature, and myopia — an ideal solution for modern classrooms.

Choosing the Smart Zico adjustable desk helps prevent hunchback, spinal curvature, and myopia — an ideal solution for modern classrooms.

RPB Education & Public – A Pioneer in Health-Standard School Furniture

With over 10 years of experience in school and public furniture, RPB Education & Public is a pioneer in integrating international standards and Vietnam’s Ministry of Health regulations into the design and production of student desks and chairs.

The Smart Zico adjustable desk line stands as a symbol of safe, modern, and ergonomic learning. It has been installed in public schools, international institutions, and language centers across Vietnam, contributing to healthier and more effective learning environments for Vietnamese students.

Related News