Backpacks are a
practical and useful way to get textbooks and supplies to and from school. When
used properly, they should ease your child’s load, not make it worse.
According to the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there was an estimated annual average
of 1,200 backpack-related injuries to children under 19 years old treated
in emergency rooms from 2019 to 2021.
In recognition of
National School Backpack Awareness Day, Aspirus Health aims to help educate
parents, caregivers and students about health risks of backpacks that are too
heavy or worn incorrectly.
“Common
backpack-related injuries that we see in kids include neck pain, back pain and
shoulder pain,” says Megan Stankowski PT,
DPT, LAT, Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer with Aspirus. “These are
avoidable, but it may require parents to observe and gently remind their kids
to make some adjustments to how they use their backpacks.”
The American Academy
of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America offers some
tips for parents to help children wear their backpacks safely and correctly:
- Choose the right
backpack. Your child’s backpack should have two broad, padded shoulder straps,
a padded back, a waist or chest strap, and compartments. These features help
distribute the weight of the contents more evenly throughout the body.
- Educate your child
about proper backpack wear. Keep straps on both shoulders and use the
waist strap. Adjust straps to fit snugly.
“Backpacks will
probably need to be readjusted seasonally, loosening it up with a winter jacket
and then tightening it back up in the spring,” says Megan.
- Pack safely. Help
your child understand how to distribute the weight properly. Put the
heaviest items low and near the center of the back. Make sure the bottom of the
backpack rests in the curve of the lower back.
- Check the weight.
Make sure your child is not carrying more than 15% of his or her body weight in
their backpack. If you notice them leaning forward to support the backpack’s
weight, then it’s too heavy.
- Lighten the load.
Encourage your child to clean the backpack weekly and take out unneeded items,
store items in a locker at school when possible, and take only what’s needed to
school. Carrying heavier items in their arms will also alleviate some of that
extra weight.
Megan adds, “if a
child starts showing signs of injury from wearing the backpack incorrectly, the
first thing the parent should do is adjust the backpack and make sure it’s
fitting correctly. Check that they are packing and lifting it properly. If
nothing is helping, they should seek help from their primary care provider or
physical therapist.”
To find an Aspirus
provider, visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider.