All Educational Software for Parents Winter 2007- AES News

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What's in your (kid's) backpack? boywithbackpack

Backpacks are heavier than ever and younger kids are toting them for longer times. Lugging heavy backpacks can lead to pain, poor posture and muscle strain. Here are some tips on relieving the backpack burden, as well as some ways to use backpacks to keep your kids safe and well-equipped.

Some FACTS:

One study of students ages 9 to 20 found that 6 out of 10 reported chronic back pain related to heavy backpacks.

A report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that more than 7,000 emergency room visits in 2001 were related to backpack injuries, including foot and ankle sprains from tripping over backpacks, fractures from packs falling on hands and strained shoulder and back muscles from lifting and lugging heavy backpacks.

Nearly half of those injuries occurred in children ages 5 to 14.

Some TIPS:

Experts say that a loaded backpack should weigh no more than 15 percent of a student's body weight. That means, if your child weighs 100 pounds, their backpack should weigh no more than 15 pounds.

When loading the bag, pack heavier items first so they are closest to the back and arrange objects so they won't slide around.

For extra-heavy loads consider, giving your child a tote bag to hand-carry some items or a book bag/backpack with built-in wheels they can roll around instead of carrying.

Make sure your child wears their backpack on their back, not slung over one shoulder, dangling from an arm or draped around the neck.

Select a backpack with well-padded shoulder straps and adjust the straps so the pack fits snugly against your child's back. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back and should not sit more than 4 inches below the waistline.

Helpful Innovations:

Zip Lists: These are one of those inventions you wished you had thought of!
As the site says, "These durable, waterproof 2.5"W x 4"H checklist cards attach to the outside of a school bag or backpack (key ring and clip included). Listed on the front are everyday school supplies kids need -- and your student can use the spaces provided on the back to add any special items he or she has to remember! Attach to the outside of the backpack, check the list, and go -- never forget a school item again!" Check them out here!

GPS tracking devices: GPS tracking for children uses a lightweight tracking device that can attach to a backpack or clip onto pants. Some GPS tracking devices for children are worn like watches or even attached to the shoes. The GPS tracking for children allows parents to easily find a child who gets lost or wanders away. It can also be used to help locate a child that is abducted. For more about GPC tracking, please read: GPS Tracking For Children: What You Need To Know