In the late 1990’s, backpack safety became an important issue. The Consumer Products Safety Commission released a report in December of 1998 blaming book bags for an estimated 3,300 emergency room visits in children ages 5 to 14. Children were carrying around backpacks that weighed over 20-40 pounds, which compared to a child’s body weight, was way too much.
As awareness and media attention increased, we began to see more backpacks on wheels, recommendation that kids get to their lockers more frequently, and have backpacks with a more ergonomic design.
Luckily now, some school districts are handing out tablets with all the necessary textbooks on it. Backpacks may become obsolete at some point in time.
Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
But for now, backpacks are still a necessity for most of our kids. Here are some suggestions to avoid musculoskeletal injuries:
1. The backpack’s straps should fit snug, allowing about 1-2 finger widths between your child’s shoulder, and the strap of the bag.
Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
2. The height of the backpack should be at the back, not low by the buttocks. The back has a larger surface area to distribute the weight of the pack. The larger muscles, such as the “lats” (latissimus dorsi) can support the weight better.
3. Make sure that when your child takes off their backpack, they don’t twist. Have them remove the straps at the same time.
4. Have your child practice lifting their backpack off the floor. Make sure they are bending their knees and using their leg muscles. This is especially true if their lockers are low.
5. Encourage your child to pack the necessities only. They may prefer to carry some items in their hands.
6. On occasion, try to weigh your child’s backpack. It should be no more than 15% of your child’s body weight.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Lighthouse Physical Therapy, P.C. at 631.440.7678.
