As the school year begins, parents and educators are reminded of the potential physical strain heavy backpacks can place on students. The modern school backpack, often loaded with textbooks, digital devices, lunch, and extracurricular gear, can become a significant burden if not managed properly.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, key indicators that a backpack may be too heavy include a child leaning forward to compensate for the weight or exhibiting difficulty walking. Shoulder straps should not visibly dig into the child's shoulders. Experts advise against waiting for a child to express pain or discomfort before addressing the issue. While serious back injuries are uncommon, they are possible, especially if a child falls while wearing a heavy backpack, which could exacerbate any injury.
Although a common guideline suggests a backpack should not exceed 10% to 15% of a child's body weight, this advice lacks substantial evidence for a universal application. Dr. Sadika Kendi, who chairs the academy’s injury-prevention efforts, emphasizes that children vary greatly in size, strength, and physical development. Therefore, it is crucial for caregivers to assess their child's individual needs and strive to keep backpacks as light as possible.
Teachers suggest a careful review of school supply lists to ensure students are only carrying essential items. Samantha Ness, a history teacher from Phoenix, advises parents to prioritize basic supplies over trendy or expensive accessories. While her students are provided with classroom textbooks, they are still required to carry a laptop and charger daily. With the increasing reliance on digital devices, some students have reduced their paper usage, but these devices can also become a source of distraction in the classroom.
In Fairfax County, Virginia, a return to math textbooks has prompted renewed discussion about backpack weight. Alix Fetch, a spokesperson for Fairfax County Parents for Intentional Technology, notes that parents must carefully consider whether a child needs to carry both physical books and a laptop simultaneously. Some elementary schools have options for parents to opt out of sending computers home, and block scheduling can reduce the daily need for all textbooks for older students.
Fetch also observes that even a lighter load, such as a lunch, water bottle, and a folder, can feel burdensome for younger children, particularly when they move between classrooms for activities. She adds that children's backpacks can also accumulate clutter, including food remnants and crumpled papers.
As students get older, backpacks can sometimes serve more as personal storage for non-school items than for academic materials, according to Ness. She notes instances of students carrying items like makeup or hair dryers.
Experts recommend selecting backpacks with broad, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, multiple compartments for weight distribution, and a waist or chest strap. The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises teaching children proper lifting techniques, such as bending at the knees rather than the waist when picking up heavier bags to prevent strain.
While backpacks with wheels can be beneficial, particularly for children with injuries, they may present tripping hazards in crowded hallways or schools with stairs. Dr. Kendi strongly advises that children remove their backpacks before riding in a moving vehicle, as wearing one can impede the proper functioning of a seat belt during sudden stops or crashes. Instead, backpacks should be placed beside the child during transit.
Regularly clearing out backpacks can help reduce unnecessary weight and ensure important papers are not lost. Some educators suggest a weekly clean-out to address lost work, spills, and accumulated debris.