Have you ever noticed at the start of the school year how some students come to school leaning forward trying to support a backpack that seems to weigh three times their own weight ?! These “child-turtles” are at high risk of injury since they have to adopt difficult postures and compensations to support this heavy load.
A simple rule for estimating the maximum weight a child or teenager should carry on their back is the equivalent of 10% of their body weight. So a fourth grader weighing 55 lbs should never have a bag weighing more than 5 to 6 lbs in total, including the bag itself!
It is important to bring home only what is needed for homework that evening. The rest should remain in their lockers to lighten the load carried in the backpack.
Do not forget that your children will wear their backpacks every day for the next 10 months. It is therefore important to choose wisely. In addition, pay attention daily to the weight of the content your children carry.
If your child complains of back pain, do not hesitate to consult your physiotherapist.
