Backpack Safety Tips

1. Choose a carrier that is right for your child. Backpacks must be worn over both shoulders otherwise it’s best to consider getting an alternative bag. Satchels can be worn with the strap crossing over the head and shoulder to distribute the weight across the body and not just on one side. Some backpacks can be wheeled about like luggage, the best option when you need to carry heavy loads.
2. Adjust shoulder straps to avoid compressing the delicate nerves and blood vessels that pass to the arms. You should be able to slide two fingers easily in the armpit areas.
3. Rest the bottom of the backpack no lower than the hips so your child can maintain a healthy posture and not arch their head and body forward to balance the load.
4. Stabilize side-to-side movement by choosing a backpack with belts that can be fastened across the chest and/or waist.
5. Pack your backpack so the heaviest items sit closest to the spine.
6. Find a friend to share your load. Take turns bringing texts home and do schoolwork together.
7. Use a small homework binder that will contain only essential information for your assignments instead of carrying all your materials home.
8. Complete assignments from heavy books before or after school or over lunch so you don’t carry these items home.
9. A full backpack should not weigh more than 10% of your child’s body weight (15% if over grade eight). Choose lightweight fabrics to further minimize loads on the spine.
10. Avoid twisting and lifting motions. Bend knees when lifting a backpack and rest it on a table so you can put it on properly.