District news

Read the principal's tips for carrying a backpack

August 4, 2011 - Heavy backpacks can cause back and neck pain in students. Read tips from Principal Amy Peluso about the proper ways a child should wear a backpack.

Wear the backpack with both arms through the shoulder straps so the weight is evenly distributed on your back. Don’t let it hang off one shoulder.
Adjust the straps so the main load of the backpack sits centrally on the middle and lower back, not too low at the hips.
Wider, padded shoulder straps are more comfortable and help distribute the weight over a larger area.
A pack with chest, waist or hip belt will help to keep pack secure and help evenly distribute the weight.
A pack with multiple pockets or compartments will keep the contents from shifting around too much as you move.
Even with these considerations, overloading the back pack can cause problems.
For children, keep the weight of the backpack less than 10-15% of body weight. Higher weights have been shown to cause children to adopt awkward postures that can overload the back and neck muscles.

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