Back-to-School Backpack Safety
The failure to choose the right backpack can have negative effects on a child’s health.
Children who wear backpacks that are too heavy, or improperly fitted, can develop serious
back trouble that will plague them for years.
As many as 55 percent of today’s students are carrying loads far in excess of the
recommended 15% of body weight, with some students’ packs topping the scales at an
alarming 40 pounds. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there has
been nearly a 300 percent increase in backpack-related injuries among school children in
America since 1996. A recent study conducted in Italy also found that the average child
carries a backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound backpack for a 176-pound
man, or a 29-pound backpack for a 132-pound woman.
Parents and students need to know that often harm is occurring without obvious symptoms.
Students may be experiencing mild symptoms now, such as mild headaches and lower back
pain. Unfortunately, this could be a preview of coming ailments like chronic back pain and
spine degeneration later in life.
One solution to heavy backpacks would be to reduce the weight of textbooks. Another
solution is to have one set of textbooks in the classroom and a separate set at home. But
until changes are made, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind to help prevent backpack
injuries.
Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her
body weight. If the backpack is heavier, it will cause your child to begin bending forward in an
attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
The position of the backpack is important. The backpack should never hang more than
four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the
shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
Keep in mind that bigger is not necessarily better. Parents should buy the best-
designed backpack possible for their child. The more room there is in a backpack, the more
your child will carry-and the heavier the backpack will be.
It is important that your child wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around
by one shoulder strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to
neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
Padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig
into your child's shoulders.
The shoulder straps should also be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your
child's body. Shoulder straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle
uncomfortably and cause spinal pain.
If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. It might be possible for your
child to leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter handout materials or
workbooks.
If your child continues to complain about back pain, consider an alternative to
traditional backpacks-packs on wheels. More parents and children are realizing the benefits
of this safer way to transport books and other necessities to and from school.
Talk to your child about the proper use of backpacks and help him or her understand
why this and other ergonomic issues are important. A child who is educated early in life on
the importance of ergonomics can apply this knowledge later in life-at home or in the office-
and will be happier and healthier as a result.
Backpack Safety Checklist
When choosing a backpack, look for:
• padded shoulder straps
• padded back
• lumbar support
• a waist belt
• multiple compartments
• correct size
How to pack:
• Loaded backpacks should weigh no more then 15% of the child’s body weight
• Distribute the weight properly; load heavier items closest to the back
How to wear:
• Take the backpack off when standing for a long time
• Wear both shoulder straps
• Tighten straps until snug, but not tight
• Use the stabilizing waist strap
I urge all parents to teach their children how to pack and carry a backpack correctly to avoid
needless injuries throughout the school year.
The failure to choose the right backpack can have negative effects on a child’s health.
Children who wear backpacks that are too heavy, or improperly fitted, can develop serious
back trouble that will plague them for years.
As many as 55 percent of today’s students are carrying loads far in excess of the
recommended 15% of body weight, with some students’ packs topping the scales at an
alarming 40 pounds. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there has
been nearly a 300 percent increase in backpack-related injuries among school children in
America since 1996. A recent study conducted in Italy also found that the average child
carries a backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound backpack for a 176-pound
man, or a 29-pound backpack for a 132-pound woman.
Parents and students need to know that often harm is occurring without obvious symptoms.
Students may be experiencing mild symptoms now, such as mild headaches and lower back
pain. Unfortunately, this could be a preview of coming ailments like chronic back pain and
spine degeneration later in life.
One solution to heavy backpacks would be to reduce the weight of textbooks. Another
solution is to have one set of textbooks in the classroom and a separate set at home. But
until changes are made, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind to help prevent backpack
injuries.
Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her
body weight. If the backpack is heavier, it will cause your child to begin bending forward in an
attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
The position of the backpack is important. The backpack should never hang more than
four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the
shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
Keep in mind that bigger is not necessarily better. Parents should buy the best-
designed backpack possible for their child. The more room there is in a backpack, the more
your child will carry-and the heavier the backpack will be.
It is important that your child wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around
by one shoulder strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to
neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
Padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig
into your child's shoulders.
The shoulder straps should also be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your
child's body. Shoulder straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle
uncomfortably and cause spinal pain.
If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. It might be possible for your
child to leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter handout materials or
workbooks.
If your child continues to complain about back pain, consider an alternative to
traditional backpacks-packs on wheels. More parents and children are realizing the benefits
of this safer way to transport books and other necessities to and from school.
Talk to your child about the proper use of backpacks and help him or her understand
why this and other ergonomic issues are important. A child who is educated early in life on
the importance of ergonomics can apply this knowledge later in life-at home or in the office-
and will be happier and healthier as a result.
Backpack Safety Checklist
When choosing a backpack, look for:
• padded shoulder straps
• padded back
• lumbar support
• a waist belt
• multiple compartments
• correct size
How to pack:
• Loaded backpacks should weigh no more then 15% of the child’s body weight
• Distribute the weight properly; load heavier items closest to the back
How to wear:
• Take the backpack off when standing for a long time
• Wear both shoulder straps
• Tighten straps until snug, but not tight
• Use the stabilizing waist strap
I urge all parents to teach their children how to pack and carry a backpack correctly to avoid
needless injuries throughout the school year.
Backpack Safety
Take Back Your Health
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| Tullius Chiropractic & Pilates Center 902 West Grande Avenue Grover Beach, California 93433 Tel: (805) 481-1566 - Fax: (805) 481-5281 Grover Beach Arroyo Grande Pismo Beach San Luis Obispo Santa Maria Atascadero Paso Robles Templeton Nipomo Oceano Los Osos Morro Bay Avila Cayucos Orcutt Shandon Creston Santa Margarita California chiropractic chiropractor chiropractors wellness health fitness gym workout Pilates yoga massage tai chi cranioscaral reflexology acupuncture weight loss orthotics laser therapy spine subluxation healing wellness natural healthcare alternative |
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