Pens, highlighters, sticky notes, books and computers. All of these things are stuffed into backpacks on a daily basis and could be creating long-term damage for kids’ backs as kids transition back to school.
It is recommended that kids carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight in their backpacks. Heavy backpacks can be bad for growing muscles and bones and even lead to severe back and neck pain.
Although it’s obvious that you should encourage your children to only put in their backpack what they need, sometimes what they need is still too much. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers the following backpack safety tips:
- Start with a lightweight backpack.
- Make sure the shoulder straps are wide and padded and include a waist strap.
- Multiple compartments are a plus.
- Both straps should be worn at all times.
- Do not overload!
It may sound easy and a bit simplistic, but these tips are extremely important, especially when preparing to go back to school.
If your child’s teacher gives them several books or electronic devices to keep, make sure you know when and if they’ll need certain things. Ask the teacher to remind them and have that information with their homework every day. That way, your child’s backpack won’t be completely full at all times.
While it may be a necessity, remember that a lunch box does not have to be stored in the backpack as well. This may also lighten the load.
For non-emergency injuries, sprains, or fractures as school gets back in session, come to OrthoArkansas’s Urgent Care Clinic. No appointment is necessary. We’re open from 8 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, and from 8 AM to Noon on Saturdays, at our Midtown Little Rock location, 800 Fair Park Blvd.
To schedule an appointment with one of our fellowship-trained, board-certified physicians and specialists, click here to complete a short form.
