Heavy Backpacks are Heavy Burden

by: Maddie Marret

While backpacks are great to carry books to and from school, they can cause back problems in students. Signature students, who don't have lockers, are putting themselves at great risk if they aren't aware of backpack safety facts.

Problems that frequently occur are shoulder, neck, and back pain. These problems are more common in younger children and girls because their backpacks are heavier in proportion to their body weight.

People who carry bulky backpacks aren't aware of how much space they take up in small areas, especially elevators, stair ways, and bus aisles. Carrying heavy backpacks also changes the way people walk and increase their chance of falling.

Teacher Teresa Doyle, formerly Teresa Blankenburger, has a guest speaker come into her health classes. The occupational therapist from USI told the class the importance of weight placement in backpacks. Heavier books should be placed toward the back of the backpack and items should not be loose and able to slide around when the student is walking. Mrs. Doyle explains "They don't realize how much weight is taken off their backs and shoulders if one or two books are carried in the student's arm." Mrs. Doyle feels Sig students are at great risk and "one day the kids will have hurt backs." She is unsure of a solution, but encourages the use of cubbies.

Sophomore Tyler White claims to have a heavy B-day backpack. White says the biggest disadvantage is his backpack "makes [him] look like a hunchback. "White does not currently have back pain. When asked his suggestions on Sig's heavy backpack problems, he sarcastically suggests "free back massages."

Senior and IB student Amber Jarvis also has a heavy backpack. She says to have lower back pain. Her backpack "gets in [her] way". When asked about her backpack's weight, Jarvis responded "I'm not really sure, but it feels like it weighs like 25 pounds." To help Sig's heavy backpack problem, Jarvis suggests to "use books on C.D. more, and have more cubbies so more students can use them."

According to an article on CNN.com on September 10, "The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 7,300 injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2006 because of backpacks. Sprains and strains were the most common complaints." The American Occupational Therapy Association says the bottom of the backpack shouldn't be more than four inches below students ' waistline. They also recommend emptying out the backpack of unused items frequently to avoid excess weight.

More Steps to having a safer backpack:

  • Packed backpacks should weight 10%-20% of the students' body weight.
  • Students' backpacks should have two, wide, padded straps. Messenger bags and bags with only one strap should be avoided.
  • Backpacks should be lightweight, traditional canvas is best, to not add more weight to the already heavy load.
  • Backpacks should have a padded back, not only for comfort, but also to protect the students' backs from being poked by loose pencils, pens, etc...
  • Backpacks should have multiple compartments to help distribute weight evenly. Shoulder straps should be tight and secure.
  • Heavier books should be placed toward the back of the backpack to help with balance.
  • Only what is necessary for each day should be kept in the bag. Extra items add extra weight.
  • When picking up backpacks, knees should be bent.

Heavy backpacks are a growing problem. Students are encouraged to use the cubbies and follow other safety guidelines provided.

Sources:
Pediatrics
Kidshealth
WebMD
CNN Health