Backpack Safety

Backpacks are a popular and practical way for children and teenagers to carry schoolbooks and supplies. When used correctly, backpacks can be a good way to carry the necessities of the school day. They are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body's strongest muscles.  

However, backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause problems for children and teenagers. Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints. This can lead to severe back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems.  

You may need to adjust your child’s backpack and /or reduce how much they carry if they:

• Struggle to get the backpack on or off
• Have back pain
• Lean forward to carry the backpack

Choosing the Right Backpack

Look for the following:  

• Wide, padded shoulder straps — Narrow straps can dig into shoulders. This can cause pain and restrict circulation.  
• Two shoulder straps — Backpacks with one shoulder strap that runs across the body cannot distribute weight evenly.  
• Padded back — A padded back protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort.  
• Waist strap — A waist strap can distribute the weight of a heavy load more evenly.  
• Lightweight backpack — The backpack itself should not add much weight to the load.  
• Rolling backpack — This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs. They may be difficult to roll in snow.  

To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following: 

• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may increase curvature of the spine.  
• Tighten the straps so that the pack is close to the body. The straps should hold the pack two inches above the waist.  
• Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 15% percent of the student's total body weight (for example, the backpack of a child who weighs 80 pounds shouldn't weigh more than 8 to 12 pounds).  You can use the bathroom scale to check the weight of your child’s backpack.
• Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.  
• Stop often at school lockers. Encourage children to use their locker or desk often throughout the day instead of carrying the entire days’ worth of books in the backpack.
• Avoid unnecessary items. Encourage your child to bring home only the books needed for homework or studying that night and avoid packing items such as laptops, cell phones, and video games that can add extra pounds to the pack.
• Bend using both knees, when you bend down. Do not bend over at the waist when wearing or lifting a heavy backpack.
• Learn back-strengthening exercises to build up the muscles used to carry a backpack.  

Ask Your Pediatrician for Advice  

Parents also can help in the following ways:  

• Encourage your child or teenager to tell you about pain or discomfort that may be caused by a heavy backpack. Do not ignore any back pain in a child or teenager. Ask your pediatrician for advice.  
• Talk to the school about lightening the load. Be sure the school allows students to stop at their lockers throughout the day. Team up with other parents to encourage changes such as; using paperback books, adding school education programs about safe backpack use, and putting some school curriculum on the school’s website, when possible.

**Source: American Academy of Pediatrics