Kids Backpack Safety
If your child has trouble getting his backpack on or taking it off, he could end up with an injury. Increased homework and limited time between classes could lead your child to carry a day's worth of books and school supplies on his back. If your child leans forward in order to tote all that weight, you need to help him lighten the load.
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Significance
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According to Consumer Reports, 7,600 injuries related to backpacks required hospital treatment in 2004, mainly for kids between the ages of 9 and 16. A test conducted by a Consumer Reports team in 2008 found that backpacks worn by students in three Amityville, New York, elementary schools weighed an average of 18.4 lbs. for sixth-graders, 5.3 lbs. for second-graders and 4.6 lbs. for fourth-graders. For the sixth-graders, backpack weight equaled an average of 17.2 percent of their body weight. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers it safe for kids to wear backpacks that weigh up to 20 percent of their body weight, some of the sixth-graders complained of back pain, posture problems and bruising.
Backpack Dangers
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Straining forward or arching the back in order to carry a loaded backpack can lead to neck, shoulder and back problems. Your child could suffer from neck and shoulder strain or back pain if she carries her backpack on one shoulder, since doing so causes her to lean to one side to balance the weight on the other side. Poor posture can also develop, especially in younger kids and girls with smaller builds who carry heavy backpacks. If your child complains of numbness or tingling in her arms, check the straps on her backpack. Straps that are too tight can cause problems with nerves and circulation. A heavy backpack can also throw off your child's balance and cause her to fall, especially on stairs. Large backpacks can cause kids to trip or accidentally bump into other kids.
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Choosing a Backpack
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Look for a backpack with two shoulder straps that are wide and padded so that weight is evenly distributed and circulation is not restricted. A waist strap also helps with weight distribution by shifting some of the burden to your child's hips. Multiple compartments can also help spread the weight evenly. A backpack with a padded back provides extra cushioning and keeps items with sharp edges or corners from hurting your child. Choose a backpack made of lightweight material, such as canvas, that doesn't add to your child's load. If your child deals with heavy loads on a regular basis, consider buying a rolling backpack so that he doesn't have to carry his books. Keep in mind that he might not be able to pull it through snow and he'll have to carry it up stairs.
Safe Backpack Use
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Your child should always use two shoulder straps to avoid straining muscles and to prevent poor posture. Make sure the straps are tight enough to keep the backpack 2 inches above your child's waist. The AAP advises to keep the backpack weight below 20 percent of your child's body weight, although some physical therapists and doctors urge parents to limit the weight to no more than 15 percent, according to an article on the KidsHealth website. Place the heaviest items in the center of the pack and make use of side compartments to help distribute the weight. Your child should use her locker as often as possible to avoid toting all of her books around throughout the day. Remind your child to bend with both knees when lifting up her backpack or when wearing a heavy pack, instead of bending at the waist. Your child should also strengthen her back muscles with exercises that focus on that area.
School Involvement
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Getting your child's school involved in backpack safety can help make your child's pack significantly lighter. Encourage school officials to make sure students have enough time to use lockers between classes. Ask if the school can make some lesson material available online, buy books on CD, or buy paperback versions of books. The school also might be able to provide education on safe backpack use for students.
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