Back to School Backpack Safety

The most convenient method of transporting schoolbooks and supplies is a backpack. However, the choice of backpacks offered in most stores can be overwhelming. Most parents only check if the backpack their child likes is sturdy enough to hold up without a tear through the school year. Whether an ill-fitting backpack might be harmful to their child's health is often overlooked.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, a child, who wears a backpack, which is improperly fitted or overloaded, has a higher risk of musculo-skeletal injuries. Such injuries might cause long-term health problems for your child. In their attempt to handle an ill-fitting and/or overloaded backpack, children usually assume bad postures like arched backs, forward or backward bends, twisting their body, or a lean to one side. This causes an improper spinal alignment, which in turn reduces the shock absorption capability of the spinal discs. Additionally, the pull of a heavy backpack can cause neck, shoulder, and back injuries. In the long run such bad posture can lead to long-term health consequences for your child primarily in the back and neck area.

Therefore, it is important to select a proper fitting backpack, to provide the child with proper instruction as to how to carry the backpack, and to make sure that the backpack is not overloaded. Here are some tips on what to look for in selecting a safe backpack for your child.

One important factor is the proper positioning of the backpack. It should be in the middle of your child's back and should not reach past the end of the lower back. Ideally, the backpack should end two inches above the waist.

The shoulder straps should be wide and padded. If the straps cut into the shoulder, your child will experience pain. Furthermore, the blood circulation in that area and to the arm will be restricted.

The backpack should have two shoulder straps. Encourage your child to use both straps. The weight of the backpack should be evenly distributed. Otherwise, one side of the body carries the majority of the weight. The child will lean to that side resulting in an unhealthy posture. Even the now popular 'messenger' bags with one strap across the body are not a good choice, because they, too, don't distribute the weight of the bag evenly, resulting in a misaligned body posture.

The backpack should also have a waist strap. A waist strap aids in the more even distribution of the weight, especially, if the child has to carry a heavy load.

The back of the backpack should be padded. This not only increases comfort while wearing the backpack, but also protects your child from the sometimes sharp edges of books and other objects inside the backpack.

Another important factor is the weight of the backpack. Your child will have to carry enough weight in books and supplies. The backpack should not add to the heavy load. Therefore, choose a lightweight backpack for your child.

Additionally, practice backpack-safety with your child. Encourage your child to use both straps and make sure they carefully put on or remove the backpack. Excessive twisting and bending of the body should be avoided.

A child should only carry about fifteen to twenty percent of their body-weight. The heaviest item should be centered and close to the back. The rest should be evenly distributed utilizing all compartments. Only let your child carry what is needed for the school day. If the load is too heavy, you will have to find other options. You can also talk to the teacher about what can be done to reduce the load.

Lastly, back-strengthening and other muscle strength and flexibility exercises will make it easier for your child to carry a backpack. Encourage your child to let you know, if they experience any pain while carrying the backpack. The earlier you correct a problem the better for your child's health.