The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
Men's Weekly

.

How do I make sure my child’s school backpack is safe and healthy?

  • Written by Sai Praneeth Jasti, Researcher, Deakin University
How do I make sure my child’s school backpack is safe and healthy?

As a new school year approaches, many families will be heading to the shops or to their school’s uniform store to buy backpacks.

While children can have firm ideas about how their school bags look – and schools have practical requirements about what students need to carry – it is vitally important bags are also safe and healthy.

What does the research evidence tell us about school bags?

Why school bags matter

Students are often not just carrying books to and from school, but technology, sports and musical equipment as well. Studies have noted[1] problems occur when students carry bags that weigh more than 20% of their body weight.

This excessive weight can cause students to adopt a forward-leaning posture to compensate, leading to chronic back pain[2] and other postural deformities[3].

But it’s not just the weight alone, how students carry their bags is also important.

Slinging the bag over one shoulder can lead to an uneven distribution of weight, causing muscle imbalances and spinal misalignment. Some studies (such as this one from Brazil[4] and and this one from Malta[5]) suggest this is more common in female students, who are more likely to carry their bags this way.

If school bags do not have ergonomic features, this exacerbates the problem. Poorly designed straps, lack of adequate back support and improper weight distribution within the bag itself all contribute to the strain on a student’s back and shoulders.

A 2021 study conducted in Karachi[6] on primary school-aged students also showed heavy backpacks can lead to increased fatigue, harming the concentration of children in school.

So we need backpacks based on ergonomic principles, that cater to different body types and carrying habits.

Two high school students carrying backpacks on one shoulder walk up steps in a playground.
Students should carry backpacks on bold shoulders to avoid back pain. Mary Taylor/ Pexels, CC BY[7][8]

What should you look for in a backpack?

Here are some research-based[9] tips for choosing a backpack for your child:

  • choose backpacks with wide, padded straps to distribute weight evenly across the shoulders, minimising the risk of strain and discomfort

  • look for other ergonomic features such as adjustable shoulder, hip and chest straps, along with back padding

  • ensure the backpack can be positioned high on the back, with the bottom aligned at waist level.

How should your children be carrying things to school?

Studies have shown[10] education about the right way to wear a backpack can reduce pain in school students. Once you have the right bag, also make sure your child is using it correctly:

  • check the backpack’s weight is no more than 10-15%[11] of the child’s body weight (you may need to monitor this as they take different things to and from school)

  • for heavy items such as musical instruments or sports equipment, choose alternative carrying options such as wheelie bags

  • try to ensure your child uses both shoulder straps to maintain balance and symmetrical posture (and do not carry bags on one shoulder or in one hand)

  • pack heavy items close to the body, as this helps maintain better posture by aligning the load with the body’s centre of gravity.

Read more: Back-to-school blues are normal, so how can you tell if it's something more serious?[12]

Schools can also help

Schools can also help this issue, by considering what students are required to take to and from school each day.

Perhaps this means more locker space at school or digital resources, so students aren’t having to carry textbooks around.

Parents and schools can also educate students about the proper way to pack and carry their bags.

Read more: Having ‘good’ posture doesn't prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it[13]

References

  1. ^ noted (journals.lww.com)
  2. ^ back pain (www.nature.com)
  3. ^ postural deformities (journals.lww.com)
  4. ^ Brazil (scielo.pt)
  5. ^ Malta (journals.sagepub.com)
  6. ^ Karachi (archives.palarch.nl)
  7. ^ Mary Taylor/ Pexels (www.pexels.com)
  8. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  9. ^ research-based (www.sciencedirect.com)
  10. ^ have shown (www.nature.com)
  11. ^ 10-15% (jccponline.com)
  12. ^ Back-to-school blues are normal, so how can you tell if it's something more serious? (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ Having ‘good’ posture doesn't prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/how-do-i-make-sure-my-childs-school-backpack-is-safe-and-healthy-220654

Times Magazine

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

CNC Machining Meets Stage Design - Black Swan State Theatre Company & Tommotek

When artistry meets precision engineering, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tommotek worked alongside the Black Swan State Theatre Company on several of their innovative stage productions. With tight deadlines and intrica...

The Times Features

Running Across Australia: What Really Holds the Body Together?

How William Goodge’s 3,800km run reveals the connection between movement, mindset, and mental resilience As a business owner, I’ve come to realise that the biggest wins rarely com...

Telehealth is Transforming Healthcare Services in Australia

It has traditionally not been easy to access timely healthcare in Australia, particularly for people who live in remote areas. Many of them spend hours on the road just to see a...

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across Talent-Led Marketing

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent management agency Huume from IZEA. The move comes as the medi...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietna...

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home se...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in—it’s your safety net when ...