Choosing A SchoolbagWhile it is important to our children to like the colour, brand, size and so on of their schoolbag, there is a vitally important factor to be considered – what should we look for to minimise back injury? Carrying schoolbags around all day is a necessary part of school life but can we minimise the risk of back injury?
The Facts
A recent study found that 50% of Irish 14 - 16 year olds suffer from back pain. In fact, research suggests that this type of pain is far more prevalent among teenagers than previously thought. Heavy school bags are a major contributing factor. For example, a heavy bag that's slung over one shoulder can, over the 12 years of schooling, cause chronic back problems that linger into adulthood.
Risks include muscle strain, distortion of the natural 'S' curve of the spine and rounding of the shoulders. Parents can reduce the risk in many ways, such as buying the child an appropriately sized backpack and making sure the load isn't too heavy.
What To Avoid to Reduce The Risk Of Spinal Damage?
• A schoolbag that weighs more than 10 per cent of the child's weight
• Holding the bag in one hand by its straps
• Carrying the bag over one shoulder
• An incorrectly packed backpack
• An incorrectly fitted backpack
What Should We Look For In A Schoolbag?
• Buy the right kind of backpack. Your child should have a backpack, rather than a traditional schoolbag with handles.
• Make sure it is packed correctly.
• Show your child correct lifting and carrying techniques.
• Don't try to save money by buying the biggest backpack you can find - make sure the backpack is appropriate to your child's size.
• Choose a backpack with a molded frame and/or adjustable hip strap, so that the weight of the filled backpack will rest on your child's pelvis instead of their shoulders and spine.
• The shoulder straps should be adjustable, and the rear of the backpack padded for comfort.
• To help with packing, the backpack should have a few separate compartments.
• Canvas backpacks are lighter than leather varieties.
• Consider buying a backpack with built-in wheels.
• Children are fashion conscious and vulnerable to peer-pressure, so make sure you take your child with you when buying their backpack. If the style you choose is 'uncool', your child may compensate by carrying the backpack in a 'cool' way, such as over one shoulder.
Packing Your Backpack Correctly
• The backpack should weigh less than 10 per cent of your child's body weight - for example, a child of 40kg should carry less than 4kg in their backpack. Ideally, the child in this example should only carry around 2-3kg of books.
• Pack the heaviest items so they are closest to the child's back. If the heaviest items are packed further away, this throws out the child's centre of gravity and causes unnecessary back strain.
• Make sure that items can't move around during transit, as this could upset your child's centre of gravity - use the backpack's compartments.
Correct Lifting And Carrying Techniques
• Adjust the shoulder straps so that the bottom of the backpack is just above the child's waist - don't allow them to wear the backpack slung low over their buttocks.
• When fitted correctly, the backpack should contour snugly to the child's back, rather than hang off their shoulders.
• Your child should lift the backpack with a straight back, using their thigh muscles. The backpack should be lifted with both hands and held close to the body. Slip an arm through one shoulder strap, and then the other.
• If your child has to lean over, their backpack is too heavy, incorrectly fitted or wrongly packed.
• Make sure your child understands that carrying the backpack over one shoulder will cause back pain and potential injury.
What Else Can You Do?
• Encourage your child to store books in their school locker, and only bring home those needed for homework.
• If your child insists they need to bring home more books than they can comfortably carry, see their teacher.
• Consult with your child's school about limiting the weight of children's schoolbags.
• Regularly clean out the backpack, since your child may be storing unneeded items.
• Regularly ask your child if their backpack is causing fatigue or pain. If so, lighten the load and adjust the fittings.
• See your doctor if your child complains of back pain.
From the team at Help Me 2 Parent
