Back Pack Safety

Backpacks are getting a bad rap lately.  Studies of back pain in children due to backpack use abound and the fact that the CPSC recently revealed that over 7,000 emergency room visits were related to backpacks and bookbags isn't helping matters.

The fact is, backpacks are still considered one of the safest and most practical ways to tote school supplies . . .if worn correctly.

Here are the recommendations of the experts to keep your child's growing back from becoming injured.

Weigh the Back Pack

Fact: The average student carries a backpack weighing almost 25% of his or her body weight.

The American Chiropractic Association suggests that a back pack weigh no more than 5-10% of a child's total body weight. For a sixty pound third grader this means the pack should weigh no more than three to six pounds.  Assuming that an average middle school hard cover textbook weighs three pounds, this child could safely carry 1-2 books, a lunch and a few weightless supplies like pencils and erasers.  Put it on the family scale and give it the seal of approval! 

Size Does Matter

Fact: Children wearing large, heavy backpacks are at a greater risk of falling due to a weight imbalance.

A back pack should be the correct size for the child that will carry it.  It should reach from shoulder level to waist and be no wider than the rib cage.  Never buy a back pack that a child will "grow into".  

Wear Both Straps

Fact: The daily physical stresses associated with  carrying book bags on one shoulder significantly  alters the posture and gait of youth.

Though the fashion seems to be tossing the back pack casually over one shoulder, this is not healthy for the back.  Wearing both straps properly distributes the weight of the load evenly. The pack should sit flat on the back distributing the weight across the back and abdominal muscles.  Sagging causes uneven strain on shoulders and lower back.

Watch for Signs of Stress

Look carefully at your child's posture while wearing the back pack.  If you notice an arching of the back, leaning forward, or slumped shoulders, the back pack is probably too much for your child to handle. 

Features of a good pack

	Wide padded straps
	Waist straps
	Adjustable straps
	Many compartments-Everything will not sink to the center bottom portion of the backpack.

Taking care to ensure that your child is not causing unnecessary strain to his back today, will help to ensure a healthy back well into his adult years.

~Kim Simonovitch