As a parent, you might have noticed that your child’s backpack is significantly heavier than previous generations. You may also have experienced the struggle of convincing your child to reduce the load in their backpack, as they insist that everything in their bags is necessary. This has become a prevalent issue for parents and educators in many countries, given that heavy backpacks can lead to several health problems for our children.
The problem has been researched and analyzed by various experts in the field of education and health. This article will dissect this topic and provide solutions to resolve the issue comprehensively.
Heavy backpacks have become a significant problem for elementary school students around the world. The average weight of a backpack worn by a child ranges from 5 to 10 kilograms. This weight often surpasses the recommended weight limit of 10 percent of a child’s body weight. This weight surpasses the recommended weight limit, which is according to several studies (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 1998; McKenzie et al., 2015; Shiri et al., 2016) not more than 10% of a child’s body weight
The heavy load can lead to several physical consequences such as back pain, spinal deformation, and even scoliosis. Short-term effects such as neck and shoulder pain, tingling arms, and headaches are also common. It’s troubling and causes anxiety to parents and educators as it impacts students’ well-being and academic performance.
Several factors contribute to the increase in backpack weight. Firstly, school curriculums around the world are becoming more challenging. This leads to more textbooks and notebooks that are needed daily. Secondly, students’ involvement in after-school activities also means carrying extra weight like gym clothes and musical instruments. For some students, extra-curriculum books and materials must be carried around. The physical size and weight of various technology gadgets add to the issue as it increases the backpack’s weight. Thirdly, the lack of storage spaces and lockers in some schools prompt schoolchildren to carry all needed materials to school.
Despite Teachers and caregivers have significant control over the overall backpack load. Several steps can be taken to minimize the backpack weight issue.
- Re-evaluate the curriculum: Schools must assess and review their curriculum and evaluate ways to reduce the amount of paperwork handed out and ensure that textbooks are available online.
- Technology: When technology gadgets are necessary, ensure that they are ergonomically designed and lightweight to reduce the burden of carrying extra weight.
- Lightweight bags: Parents should purchase lightweight bags that are adequately padded to reduce discomfort. Students should also ensure that they only pack what they need and reduce the number of unnecessary items in their bags. Proper bag placement on the back can also alleviate some strain on the neck and back.
- After school gym bags: For students involved in after-school activities or sports, they could be encouraged to keep an extra gym bag with their gear in a locker instead of carrying it all day.
- Improved storage space: If schools could provide lockers or designated spaces for students to keep their backpacks, it would go a long way in reducing backpack weight-related issues.
It’s no longer news that elementary school backpacks have become larger and heavier than previous generations. The weight can lead to several health problems for children, including back pain, muscle strain, improper posture, and spinal deformation, and even affect their academic performance. Several factors contribute to the increase in backpack weight, including curriculum demands, lack of storage space, and technological gadgets, among others.
As addressed in the solutions above, reevaluation of the curriculum, promoting the use of technology gadgets and lighter bags, providing more storage space, and looking for alternative ways to carry sports gears, would go a long way in mitigating backpack weight-related problems. However, it would be best if educators and parents work together to achieve this objective fully.
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