Big backpacks have serious child health risks!
Thanks to K-12, kids bring almost twelve books every day to school—especially if they don’t have lockers. Aside from the books, you also have notebooks, pads, pencils and other materials, all inside one of the popular backpack brands.
Experts from the American Occupational Therapy Association and a 2010 study say that heavy backpacks can cause serious child health risks.
Child Health risks of heavy backpack brands
Bad posture
When a child leans forward to carry a heavy backpack, this creates a bad, forward-leaning posture. This may lead to shoulder and neck pain and difficulties in holding up their own body under the weight of their bag.
Compressed spine
Since your kid’s bones are still growing, they’re more malleable than an adult’s. Excessive weight can cause their spine to compress and the discs to move out of place, which can lead to serious back problems in adulthood.
Impaired growth
Heavy backpack brands can deform a child’s body and be the reason they don’t achieve the height they’re supposed to have. All their bones are still growing so lasting damage can happen if they have heavy loads.
Chronic back and shoulder pains
Shoulders aren’t meant to carry large loads, says experts, which means heavy backpack brands that are improperly used can create back pains. These pains can last for 70 to 80 years if they aren’t addressed.
Knee pain
When your kid walks with a backpack that’s too heavy or placed on shoulder, this can change his gait and add strain on his joints.
So what’s the solution, parents? You can opt to have trolleys instead of large backpacks, but you have to be aware that these bags to tend to trip up children when playing at school. There are guides to choosing a good backpack, though.
Click Next to see what your child's backpack should have in order to avoid child health risks
Here’s what your kid’s backpack should look like:
Wide straps
This distributes the weight and offers support.
Waist strap
While it can be baduy for some kids, it can definitely help them carry the weight better.
As close to the body as possible
The bag should not bet set too low or away from the back. The bottom should be two inches below the waist when loaded with stuff.
Weight ratio
Experts say that the weight of a child’s pack should only be 10%-15% of his body weight. Use a backpack with pockets and compartments on the side to distribute his things more evenly.
So there you have it, mommies and daddies! Always check your child’s bag before you send them off for school and help them carry their things when you can.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dana Santos
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