Last year, my daughter's middle school implemented a "no backpack" policy. Eighth graders were not allowed to carry backpacks around school. They had to stow backpacks in lockers, select the right books to carry and return to lockers in between classes. The reason? Parents, school administrators and health professionals have become increasingly concerned about health problems associated with backpacks.
According to Backpack Safety America/International, backpack-related injuries among students in the United States have increased 360 percent in the past eight years. Such injuries can have long-lasting effects. Posture and spine alignment can be damaged by improper backpack use, not to mention the pain.
No, backpacks or book bags themselves aren't the culprits here. For starters, think about how much students carry around. When we checked out Kaity's high school books during freshman orientation, she asked me to carry them for her. I couldn't believe how heavy hardcovers had become since I was in high school. The covers appear to be made of extra thick and heavy materials. I assume it's because school districts want these expensive books ($60-100 each) to last several years while in use by more than one student. Don't get me started on how many pages are in each of these books.
In an effort to protect the next generation's health, schools have taken action. But when school administrators put new rules in place -- like the "no backpack policy" -- students complain. Teenagers say not being able to carry all their books from class to class slows them down. What if your class is across campus from your locker? If you haven't planned accordingly, you'll be late to class.
School administrators insist that students plan ahead to carry only what is essential. Their biggest complaints about backpacks include:
So what can you do? Here are some suggestions:
1. Decide if your backpack needs replacing. Take a look at the shoulder pads and straps. If these are stretched or worn to the max, start shopping. Tell your parents that buying a new, better backpack is a small price to pay, compared to the cost of seeing a chiropractor or doctor for treatments.
2. When you get home tonight, empty your entire backpack onto the living room floor. Sort through everything and decide honestly if you need to carry it with you. If not, either leave it home or keep it in your locker at school.
3. If your school allows it, check out an extra set of textbooks from the school library and keep them at home. If no extra books are available, ask your folks to shop online for used books. This means you won't have to haul your heavy books home each day for homework.
4. If your class schedule makes it difficult for you to get to your locker regularly throughout the day, talk to school administrators about changing your locker to one that's more centrally located.
5. If you have to put your backpack on the floor, keep it close to your feet, the wall or your locker so someone doesn't trip over it.
6. Finally, avoid teens who think a backpack "slap" is no big deal. These guys are jerks -- plain and simple. Horsing around with a heavy backpack is not funny, macho or cool. The old adage "no pain, no gain" doesn't apply here.
School should be about learning, not about who can carry the "biggest load." Wouldn't you rather spend time with your friends after school than be laid up in bed with a heating pad? (Hmmmm -- I thought so!) Remember -- your school years (and future) are supposed to be pain-free.
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