Lighten the Load: How Overweight Backpacks Can Affect Our Kids

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With students across the archipelago back in classrooms today, many are also back to carrying textbooks, notebooks, lunches, water bottles and other school essentials.

However, experts say parents should take a second to look at just how much their children are carrying to prevent serious injuries.

But, what is considered too heavy?

Some signs a backpack may be too heavy include a child leaning forward to support the weight, having difficulty walking or straps digging into their shoulders.

While some guidelines recommend keeping a backpack around 10 to 15 percent of a child’s body weight, experts say there isn’t enough evidence for a one size fits all rule for every child.

Instead, parents are encouraged to keep bags as light as possible and regularly check what their child really needs to take to school each day.

That could mean leaving unnecessary books and personal items at home, and taking advantage of classroom or school storage when available.

Experts also recommend a backpack with two broad, padded straps, a padded back and compartments to help distribute the weight.

Also, parents should remind children to use both shoulder straps and bend at the knees when picking up a heavier bag.

One more important tip, with children rushing in cars after an exciting day, they should remove their backpacks while riding in a moving vehicle, as they can interfere with how a seat belt protects them.

With the school year now officially underway, parents can make checking and cleaning out that backpack a weekly routine, helping to keep the load light and students ready to learn.