Have you tried lifting your child's backpack lately? If you find it difficult to carry, you're not alone.
If a backpack weighs more than 10 to 20 percent of a student's total body weight, that's too much, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Heavy or improperly carried backpacks can lead to "severe back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems," stated the organization.
One parent of a student said it is unfair for children to carry heavy backpacks. She voiced her concern to the Glen Cove Board of Education Monday, saying her 12-year-old daughter's backpack weighed 15 pounds due to the amount of books she is required to carry.
What's your solution? Do you inform your child's teacher? Keep a spare set of texbtooks at home? Set up a weekly time to remove papers no longer needed? Have you consulted with your pediatrician? Tell us in the comments.
