Healthy Habits: How Heavy Is Your Child’s Backpack?

When kids carry more than 10% of their body weight, injuries can lead to health problems lasting into adulthood

Schools are in session across the U.S. and more than 79 million backpack-carrying students are settling into new routines – some of which include bringing the same items home each afternoon. Think the books and school supplies that your child is carrying in a backpack slung haphazardly across one shoulder are harmless? Think again. Heavy loads can cause injuries and low back pain that often lasts through adulthood.

“A child wearing a backpack incorrectly or that is too heavy can be contributing risk factors for discomfort, fatigue, muscle soreness, and musculoskeletal pain especially in the lower back,” says Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L, CPE, clinical professor of occupational therapy at Boston University, and an expert on school ergonomics and healthy growth and development of school-age children.

Luckily, preventing discomfort and pain is simple. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers the following tips for keeping kids safe while toting books to and from school:

• Always select a backpack that is the correct size for your child.
• Make sure the height of the backpack extends from approximately 2 inches below the shoulder blades to waist level, or slightly above the waist.
• Always wear well-padded shoulder straps on both shoulders so the weight is evenly balanced.
• Distribute weight evenly. Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back and balance materials so the child can easily stand up straight.
• Wear the hip belt if the backpack has one, to improve balance and take some strain off sensitive neck and shoulder muscles.
• Check that the child’s backpack weighs no more than 10% of his or her body weight. If it weighs more, determine what supplies can stay at home or at school each day to lessen the load.
• If the backpack is still too heavy for the child, consider a book bag on wheels.

Thousands of students, educators, parents, and health professionals will mark National School Backpack Awareness Day on Sept. 20 with backpack weigh-ins, backpack check-ups, activities, and special events.

To learn more about National School Backpack Awareness Day, visit www.aota.org/backpack.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 213,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.