What’s with the flood of articles on kid’s back packs, lately? I’ve seen them in magazines, newspapers and on T.V. Is this just because the kids are back at school, or has there been some research recently about the danger to little spines?
\nLast Sunday, Bob Condor of the Chicago Tribune wrote about kids riding bikes to school. He felt it was a healthy physical activity, and it cut down on some of the traffic volume typical around schools. Readers wrote in to comment that they felt their children were unsafe on bicycles with the heavy backpacks. It’s too easy for them to shift, and cause a loss of balance.<\/p>\n
\nThe Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there were more than 21,000 backpack related injuries treated at medical facilities and doctor’s offices in 2002. (More on the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the next post.)
\nApparently, it has been determined that students should carry no more than 15% of their body weight in their backpacks.
\nCalifornia, ever the leader in all things ridiculous, has passed a law requiring the state board of education to limit textbook weight by 2004. They will now be judging a textbook based on its POUNDAGE! I can see it now……textbooks will have to be printed in installments, causing book fees to rise phenominally!
\nIn all fairness, at least seven other states have passed “back pack bills.” There are other alternatives to an overweight backpack. Some schools are providing double sets of books, one for home and one for school. A study period during the school day also makes it possible to eliminate the need to take a book or two home each night.
\nTo avoid shoulder damage, kids need to wear the back packs properly, hooked over both shoulders. And, the shoulder version of the bag is preferable to one on wheels.
\nIf you have kids dealing with this issue, keep track of what’s going on with the textbooks in your school system. I’d like to hear your ideas on this subject.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What’s with the flood of articles on kid’s back packs, lately? I’ve seen them in magazines, newspapers and on T.V. Is this just because the kids are back at school, or has there been some research recently about the danger … Continue reading