What you need to know about choosing, packing and wearing school backpacks.
School backpacks are a convenient way to carry books and school supplies. For many kids, however, school backpacks also serve as a fashion statement — and a prime source of back and shoulder strain. Here's what you need to know about choosing, packing and wearing school backpacks.
Packing and wearing school backpacks
Your homework's not done once you choose your child's school backpack. It's also important to know how to pack and wear the backpack.
- Adjust the straps. Make sure the backpack fits snugly against your child's back.
- Double up. Encourage your child to use both shoulder straps. If your child slings the backpack over just one shoulder, he or she may lean to the side to offset the extra weight — which can spell trouble for the neck and shoulders.
- Pack carefully. Place the heaviest items in the backpack first, close to the back. Take advantage of compartments for smaller items to keep weight from shifting as your child walks.
- Keep it light. Make sure your child carries only the necessary books and supplies, even if it means storing extra items in a locker or desk between classes.
- Know your child's limits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children carry no more than 10 percent to 20 percent of their body weight in a backpack. Other experts set the limit at no more than 15 percent. Following the 15 percent rule, a child who weighs 60 pounds should carry a backpack that weighs no more than 9 pounds. If in doubt, weigh the backpack on your bathroom scale.
- If your child's backpack is too heavy, get creative. Perhaps you can lighten the load by stocking a second set of reference books or other necessities at home. Sometimes a classroom set of textbooks is available, so your child's copy of a particular book can stay home. Your child can also hand carry a book or other item that's too heavy to be carried in the backpack.
Studies suggest that more than half of students ages 9 to 20 experience chronic back pain related to backpacks, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. If you're concerned about the toll your child's backpack is taking on his or her back — especially if your child complains of back pain or tingling or numbness in the arms — consult your child's doctor.
Should adults simply tell children that school violence won't happen in their community?
That's probably not an appropriate message to convey. We've seen that school violence can happen virtually anywhere, even in schools that may seem extremely safe. Unfortunately, a message like this can also give children a false sense of security, and they may not be as vigilant about unsafe situations as they should be. And many children do worry that a shooting or other violent event may happen in their school, so you should validate and acknowledge their feelings. Blanket statements that it won't happen risk minimizing their fears and shutting down conversation.
If your child doesn't bring up the issue of school violence or express worries, should you just ignore it too?
It's usually up to the adult to initiate conversations about school violence. Just because your child isn't openly talking about school violence doesn't mean that he or she isn't worried about it. For one thing, younger children may not be able to verbalize their fear easily. They may act it out in behavior or play. And older children, who are notorious for clamming up around adults as it is, may be hesitant to raise serious or emotional issues. In fact, some children think about school violence more fatalistically than adults do. It's not uncommon to find out months after the news coverage ends that your child was very worried in the wake of a violent incident.
How do you engage a young child in a conversation about school violence?
Young children, such as those in kindergarten through fifth grade, may have trouble understanding the concept of violence. Because of that, you need to talk to them in a way they can relate to. It may be a less direct approach. You can talk to them about being teased, what's happening on the school bus, about people being "mean," or if they're concerned about strangers coming to their school to hurt them or their friends or teachers.
When reports of school violence occur, what should you do for your children?
For younger children, the discussion should focus on safety and how adults are doing everything they can to protect them. With older children, you can help them understand what's happened. Reinforce the idea that serious school violence is rare. Also, without alarming them, remind them to be aware of possible signs of impending violence and to report any concerns to school authorities. And it's OK to let them know that you feel upset when you see violence in schools, too. But because a child will pick up on parental anxiety like a sponge, it's important to remain calm and reassuring.
Should children watch television news coverage of school violence incidents?
It depends on their age and developmental level. Young children, such as preschoolers, often interpret the news differently than adults do. For instance, some studies show that young children often don't realize that the same incident is constantly replayed on the news — they believe it's different incidences of violence, which can lead them to think that violence is common. Children of any age, and even adults, can have traumatic reactions to violent or shocking images, especially those that show frightened or injured school children. Watching footage from the scene of an incident can be too intense. Even older children should limit viewing of such news. Remind them that early news coverage may be inaccurate and sensationalistic because the facts aren't all known. Consider watching the news together so that you can discuss it.
What kind of professional help is effective for coping with reports of school violence?
Often, this kind of anxiety can benefit from a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavior therapy, and it can be brief, usually just six to 14 sessions. In some situations, medications may help, but many times, anxiety can be treated effectively with behavioral methods that help children learn to cope with their fear and stress.
How can parents take an active role in addressing school violence?
Learn about the safety measures and training programs your child's school has in place. Talk to school officials and educators and attend school board meetings. Talk to other parents to discuss any concerns. Consider arranging school or community group presentations by local police departments or McGruff the Crime Dog. Get involved in the Be Safe and Sound Campaign for safer schools, through the National Crime Prevention Council.
Last Updated: 07/27/2007
