We have all heard our grandparents tell us how they had to walk fifteen miles, uphill both ways, to school every day… oh yeah, and they were barefoot while it was snowing. But nowadays, we have school buses and shoes to get our children to and from school. However, how many of you parents are aware of just how strenuous backpacks can be on your children?
The standard
backpack comes with two shoulder straps. The pack is to sit on the child’s back while being supported through their shoulders. However, a lot of children today do not deem it appropriate or necessary to utilize both shoulder straps and allow their backpack to hang off of one shoulder. This probably would not be an issue if they pack only weighed a pound and they did not carry it as much. However, with all the materials needed to cart to and from school, backpacks can easily weigh 10-15 pounds. Now think about this: 15 pounds of consistent downward pressure on one shoulder. According to Physical Backpack Effects by Illinois State Board of Education, children weighing 60-75 pounds should not carry a bag weighing more than 10 pounds and I child weighing 125 should not carry a backpack weighing more than 18 pounds.
By carrying more than what a child should, assuming the are carrying the backpack correctly, the child can try to compensate for the weight difference by leaning forward. But when they only use one shoulder strap and try to compensate for the weight difference, it can disrupt the alignment of the spine and create further injury. And yet either way the pack is carried, when the weight far exceeds the acceptable amount, posture is always disrupted.
Make sure when you and your child go school supply shopping and it is time to pick out that backpack that you are looking for backpacks with two wide straps. When the child wears the pack, make sure that it is adjusted to sit up high to utilize the stronger back muscles and prevent a forward lean.
Keep your children’s backs healthy! Teach them the proper way to carry a backpack and be mindful of how much your child is stuffing in to that bag!
Labels: backpacks
by: Child Basics
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