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Tips for Backpack Safety

Is your child's backpack placing him or her at risk?

Backpacks have become a must for every school-age child. They offer a convenient way for your child to carry his/her belongings to and from school. Yet backpacks can pose a risk to growing bodies. Many parents are not aware of the risks or underestimate the need to set safety guidelines.

Many children begin carrying backpacks as early as preschool. As they progress from elementary school to middle school, and eventually to high school, the amount of weight carried in their backpacks significantly increases to accommodate more homework and extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, your child’s ability to carry more weight doesn’t necessarily grow with age. In fact, heavy backpacks can still pose a risk to the child entering puberty, which generally occurs between the ages of 12 and 18. During this time, the spine undergoes rapid growth and is not able to withstand excessive stresses placed upon it.

Several researchers have examined the affects that these backpacks are having on children and have raised serious concerns. They report that the incidence of back pain in children is approaching that of adults. This is especially prevalent as children enter adolescence. In addition to increased pain, researchers have also noted significant forward leaning postures when they are carrying heavy backpacks, thus throwing the spine out of alignment. This can lead to a host of problems such as ?

Some researchers have proposed that the maximum amount of weight a child should carry in his/her backpack should be no more than 10% of their body weight. This means that a child who weighs 100-lbs. should carry no more than 10-lbs. in their backpack. The following recommendations have also been suggested to minimize back pain and provide optimal positioning of the spine:

Your child's backpack should not hang more than 4 inches below his/her waist. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
A backpack with individualized compartments helps evenly distribute the contents, so that all of the weight doesn’t rest entirely on the shoulders.
Make sure that heavier items are packed closest to the back, with pointy or lighter bulky items packed away from the back.
Look for backpack equipped with a padded back to reduce the pressure on the bones of the back.
Bigger backpacks are not necessarily better. The bigger the backpack, the more items your child will pack into it and the heavier the pack will be.
It is important for your child to wear both shoulder straps. Carrying the backpack on the shoulder can cause an uneven walking posture and strain that shoulder.
To reduce backpack weight, discuss with your child the importance of carrying only necessary items
Buy a backpack with adjustable, wide, padded straps to ensure proper fit and comfort.

Talk to your child's teachers about creating handout or workbook alternatives to heavy textbooks.

And most importantly, talk to your child about the proper use of backpacks and why it is important for their health so that they can monitor their own safety.