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Back Problems Related to Heavy Backpacks on Children

As children's homework loads increase, their backpacks get heavier. And homework seems to have increased for even earlier grades, which leads many parents to wonder about the effect of small children carting their backpacks around.

  1. Too Heavy

    • If your child's backpack weighs more than 15 to 20 percent of her body weight, it's too heavy, according to the National Safety Council, or NSC.

    Chronic Pain

    • A heavy backpack can lead to chronic back pain, even in young children, according to the NSC.

    Find the Cause

    • If your child has pain that interferes with his sleep or play patterns, investigate whether his backpack could be the cause, the NSC suggests.

    Correct Wear

    • Some children are wearing their backpacks incorrectly. Make sure the shoulder straps are tight enough to support the weight of the pack and that your child doesn't have difficulty putting the backpack on or taking it off. If you see red marks on your child after the pack is removed, check to see what's in it and remove any unnecessary items.

    Prevention

    • Back problems can be minimized if your child uses a proper lifting technique. Make sure she engages her back before lifting the pack, especially if it's fully laden.

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