September 19, 2012 is National School Backpack Awareness Day!

The American Occupational Therapy Association has given the third, Wednesday of September the title of "National School Backpack Awareness Day".  It is a day that we as OT practitioners raise awareness about the injuries, pain and other problems that are associated with the wearing of heavy backpacks.  Now a days children often lug heavy text books to and from school each day, on top of that, the added weight of lunch boxes, pencil boxes and technology such as cellphones, iPads and handheld video game systems can add extra weight and added stress on the back and shoulders.
Below is some of the information that AOTA and clinicians across the country will be sharing with teachers, administrators, parents, medical professionals and child caregivers during the month of September.

Backpack Strategies for 

Parents and Students 

aching backs and shoulders? Tingling arms? Weakened muscles? Stooped posture? Does your child 

have these symptoms after wearing a heavy school backpack? Carrying too much weight in a pack or 

wearing it the wrong way can lead to pain and strain. Parents can take steps to help children load and 

wear backpacks the correct way to avoid health problems. 

Loading a Pack 

• A child’s backpack should weigh no more than about 10% of his or her 

body weight. This means a student weighing 100 pounds shouldn’t 

wear a loaded school backpack heavier than about 10 pounds. 

• Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back (the back of the pack). 

• Arrange books and materials so they won’t slide around in the 

backpack. 

• Check what your child carries to school and brings home. Make sure 

the items are necessary for the day’s activities. 

• If the backpack is too heavy or tightly packed, your child can hand 

carry a book or other item outside the pack. 

• If the backpack is too heavy on a regular basis, consider using a book bag on wheels if your child’s 

school allows it. 

Wearing a Pack 

• Distribute weight evenly by using both straps. Wearing a pack slung over 

one shoulder can cause a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and 

causing pain or discomfort. 

• Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps. Shoulders and necks have 

many blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain and tingling in the 

neck, arms, and hands when too much pressure is applied. 

• Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly on the child’s back. 

A pack that hangs loosely from the back can pull the child backwards and 

strain muscles. 

• Wear the waist belt if the backpack has one. This helps distribute the pack’s 

weight more evenly. 

• The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back. It should  

never rest more than four inches below the child’s waistline. 

• School backpacks come in different sizes for different ages. Choose the right size pack for your child 

as well as one with enough room for necessary school items. 

Need More Information? 

For more facts on backpack safety, see “Backpack Facts: What’s All the Flap About?” 

If you would like to consult an occupational therapy practitioner about an ergonomic evaluation 

regarding backpacks, computer use, or other learning-related issues, talk to your child’s teacher about 

whether a referral to occupational therapy is appropriate. Your physician, other health professionals, 

and your school district’s director of special education may also be able to recommend an occupational 

therapy practitioner.