Although experts recommend that backpacks weigh no more than 15 percent of a child’s body weight, many kids routinely lug more than double that burden. Over time, this can lead to stooped posture, chronic back and shoulder pain, and muscle weakness.

Lisa A. Haney is Director of Rehabilitation Services at Pennsylvania Hospital. “More than 40 million U.S. students carry backpacks, and most of them are unaware that overloading them or carrying them incorrectly can set them up for a lifetime of problems,” says Ms. Haney. “It’s up to parents, teachers and schools to help spread the word about backpack safety and help our kids lighten their loads.’

Follow these tips on how to select, pack and carry backpacks:

• Choose a backpack that is appropriate for your child’s age and size. Weigh the pack to see that it is no more than 15% of your child’s body weight.
• The pack should rest in the curve of the lower back, never more than four inches below the waistline. Make sure the pack has well-padded shoulder straps.
• Only pack items that are necessary for the day’s activities. Load the heaviest items closest to the child’s back (the back of the pack), and arrange items so they won’t slide around in the pack. If the pack is too full, the child should hand-carry a few items.
• Have the child wear both shoulder straps. Wearing a pack over one shoulder can cause the child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing discomfort. Also, adjust the straps so the pack fits snugly against the child’s back and fasten the waist belt, if the pack has one, to distribute the weight more evenly.

On September 20, 2006, the American Occupational Therapy Association will urge students to “Pack It Light, Wear It Right,” during National School Backpack Awareness Day. To interview Ms. Haney about Backpack Awareness Day events or backpack safety tips, call Carson Clark, Public Affairs Director, at 215-829-6799.

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine