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.