How heavy school backpacks can strain kids' bodies
Summary
Many children carry heavy backpacks filled with books, tablets, and other school items, which can strain their bodies. Experts recommend keeping backpacks as light as possible and suggest parents review what children really need to bring each day.Key Facts
- Backpacks often contain textbooks, digital devices, sports gear, and more, making them heavy.
- Signs a backpack may be too heavy include a child leaning forward or having trouble walking.
- Straps should not dig into the child's shoulders.
- Carrying heavy backpacks can increase injury risk, especially if a child falls.
- Experts say backpacks should weigh less than 10% to 15% of a child's body weight, but individual needs vary.
- Some schools are balancing the use of digital devices and physical textbooks to ease backpack weight.
- Parents and teachers suggest reducing unnecessary items in backpacks to help children carry less.
- Some elementary schools do not require children to take computers home every day to reduce load.
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