School Backpacks: Dangerous for Kids?
By Jesse Cannone
Nov 1, 2009, 14:00
Are backpacks
really hurting our kids? Should parents lie awake at night concerned
the backpack they just bought junior will lead to irreversible spinal
damage? Or could it be the media is simply falling all over itself in
political correctness while actually inciting us to raise a bunch of
weak, out of shape kids unable to carry a simple set of books on their
backs?
Like many
heavily discussed topics the real answer lies somewhere in the middle.
Yes, one backpack may be better suited than another. There really are
proper ways to carry one to avoid neck aches and back pains. And just
like long division, confidently selecting and safely wearing the right
backpack only requires following a few simple steps.
How to select your child's backpack
Price is
clearly a factor for many parents. Fortunately purchasing a safe
backpack doesn't have to break the bank. Look for these features when
you shop for your child's backpack:
* Size
- select a backpack that fits snugly to the curve of your child's back.
Try to find a backpack that does not hang below the waist. A loaded
pack should never fall more than 4 inches below the waistline.
* Shoulder straps
- choose a backpack with two adjustable well-padded shoulder straps.
Shoulder strap anchors should fall 1 to 2 inches below the top of the
shoulder.
* Waist belt - a waist belt can help ensure weight is carried properly.
* Wheels
- if your child's school allows wheeled backpacks, heavier loads can be
pulled along instead of carried to offload the weight. Be sure the
extended handle length allows your child to pull the backpack without
excessive bending or twisting.
How to properly load and wear a school backpack
Studies have
shown back and neck pain in school aged children is most frequently
caused by improper backpack use. Painful muscle imbalances really can
lead to long term postural defects. But carrying a school backpack
doesn't need to cause alarm. Follow these loading and carrying
guidelines to eliminate the most common sources of backpack related
pain in children:
* 15% rule
- never allow your child to carry more than 15% of his or her weight.
For example, a 100 pound child should never carry more than 15 pounds
in the backpack.
* Heavy items in back - securely pack heavier items to remain close to your child's back.
* Keep it clean - remove items not needed for school that day to minimize weight.
* Wear both shoulder straps
- distribute weight evenly across both shoulders by always wearing both
straps. Adjust straps to allow free movement of the arms without
twisting or bending to the side.
* Use the waist belt - Reduce load on the shoulders and neck by securely fastening the waist belt.
* Center the pack - wear the backpack centered across the curve of the mid back. It should not hang below the waistline.
* Use the wheels - use the wheels if so equipped, particularly when carrying heavy loads.
