An expert has said that if you have not carried out the check yet, it is not too late
Parents are being advised to check their children’s bags before they leave for school. And it has nothing to do with the specific items inside.
Instead, it has more to do with how much is inside their bag. Chiropractor and British Chiropractic Association (BCA) member Dean Blackstock has shared with Marks and Spencer that many children are carrying much more than they need to be – and it could be causing them health issues.
If their bag is too heavy, it can lead to back pain. With this in mind, children’s health experts recommend that a backpack should weigh no more than 10 per cent of your child’s weight.
Mr Blackstock explained: “Many parents don’t realise there’s a recommended weight limit for children’s school bags, as proper loading is vital for protecting spinal health, growth and development.
“Experts advise that a backpack should weigh no more than 10% of a child’s body weight, but with many bags far exceeding that, carrying too much can put additional strain on growing spines, muscles and joints. The results could be attributed to such things as poor posture, discomfort and long-term musculoskeletal issues.
“Children often compensate for heavy bags by changing their posture; leaning forward or sideways, which can cause imbalances and increases the risk of fatigue or injury. Repeat these postures day after day, term after term, year after year and you can see how injuries and discomfort arise.”
How to calculate the correct weight of your child’s bag
As children grow at varying rates and the average weight of girls and boys differs, it’s best to calculate an accurate maximum weight through some simple maths. You can calculate your child’s exact maximum bag weight by weighing child and multiply their weight by 0.1.
Once you’ve determined how much your child can safely carry, start adding essentials like water and a lunchbox to the bag and regularly check the weight. If the number on the scales surpasses the limit, consider which items could be removed.
Packing items in a particular order and wearing the bag as designed can also make a difference. The chiropractor stressed: “When packing your bag, distribute weight evenly and place heavier items at the top to prevent the shoulders from being pulled backward.
“A few small adjustments to how children carry their school bags can make a big difference to their long-term musculoskeletal health.”
He concluded: “It’s not always seen as fashionable, admittedly, but wearing it on both shoulders and adjusting the straps accordingly is vital to make sure the bag correctly supports the weight, easing pressure on the body.”
