As families prepare for the new school year, experts are warning about the dangers of heavy backpacks and their potential to cause back injuries in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that backpacks should be as light as possible and that children should be taught to pick up and carry them safely.
How Heavy is Too Heavy?
According to Dr. Sadika Kendi, a physician who chairs the academy’s injury-prevention efforts, signs that a backpack may be too heavy include a child leaning forward to support its weight or having difficulty walking. Straps should not dig into shoulders, and children should be encouraged to remove their backpacks before riding in a moving vehicle.
Teachers are also weighing in on the issue, recommending that parents focus on making sure children have basic supplies rather than getting caught up in trendy or expensive items. Samantha Ness, a history teacher in Phoenix, said, “When considering the things going into their backpacks, how is it going to help them be successful in the classroom?”
How to Carry the Load Safely
Experts recommend choosing a backpack that fits the child and has two broad, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, compartments to distribute weight, and a waist or chest strap to redistribute the load. Regularly cleaning out backpacks can also help reduce unnecessary weight and keep track of notes, permission slips, and assignments.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
