Backpack Safety for Your Child

» Posted on Sep 7, 2011 in Ergonomics, Health, Injuries and Rehabilitation | Comments Off on Backpack Safety for Your Child

We need to tell our children at a very early age that it is cool and smart to take care of themselves.  There is no education in schools about backpack safety, it is up to you to help decrease the risk of injury to your child. 

 Backpack Facts:

-Over 40 million students use backpacks
 
-89% of chiropractors surveyed responded that they have seen patients (ages 5-18)  reporting back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by heavy backpacks. (Backpack Safety America)
-The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported backpack-related injuriessend almost 6,000  students each year to emergency rooms.(May, 2002)The US Consumer Reports
 
-66% of school nurses reported seeing students with pain or injury attributed tocarrying backpacks.(AirPacks, 2000)
 
Up to 60% of children will experience back pain by the time they reach 18.(University ofMichigan)
and bulky or heavy backpacks don’t just cause back injuries. Other safety issues to consider:
 

 – Kids who carry large packs often aren’t aware of how much space the packs take up and can hit 
  others with their packs when turning around or moving through tight spaces, such as the aisles of the   

  school bus.

– Students are often injured when they trip over large packs or the packs fall on them.

– Carrying a heavy pack changes the way kids walk and increases the risk of falling,  particularly on stairs or other places where the backpack puts the student off balance. 

 
When worn correctly, the weight in a backpack is evenly distributed across the body,and shoulder and neck injuries are less common than if someone carried a briefcase or purseRemind your children how to correctly wear a backpack.  If you need any assistance, bringyour child to our office with their backpack for a demonstration and explanation.