Backpack Safety for Kids in Perth

Backpack Safety for Kids – 6 easy steps

Our medical experts at Central City Health Professionals are aware of how important the issue of Backpack Safety for Kids in Perth is. There is an emerging trend showing that young children are suffering from back pain and injuries much earlier and sooner than previous generations. Our experts at Central City Health Professionals believe that a major contributing factor to this seems to be the constant carrying of heavy backpacks by school children. Many parents do not realize the long term effects and potential injury that carrying heavy pack backs can cause.

With the new school term fast approaching, thousands of children will be returning to school and the reality is that a vast majority of these children will be struggling to school carrying backpacks far too heavy.  If a backpack is overloaded with books and worn incorrectly, bio-mechanical pressure increases on the spine causing the child to lean forward to compensate.   This constant lack of correct posture could result in potential injury and unnecessary pain and discomfort. 

Backpack safety for kids in Perth can be greatly enhanced by taking just a few easy steps and precautions.  Our experts at Central City Health Professionals have listed below what you can do to help your child’s back:

1. Pack the backpack wisely, ensuring that the backpack is cleaned out regularly and packing is kept to a minimum.
2. Distribute the weight evenly and teach your child to use both straps, not just one when wearing their backpack.
3. Check your child’s posture regularly to ensure that they are not slouching or favoring one side, indicating that the backpack is too heavy.  If your child shows any signs of pain, tingling or numbness, contact Central City Health Professionals immediately for a thorough examination.
4. When purchasing a backpack, ensure that you get one with enough compartments to enable even weight distribution.  Ensure that the backpack has 2 wide and well-padded straps for shoulder comfort, avoiding the backpacks which have only 1 strap (causing uneven weight distribution). When trying the backpack on, check to see that the backpack can be adjusted to fit correctly, close to the body and rests correctly in the middle of the back and not too low.
5. Remind your child to bend at the knees when lifting the backpack and always use two hands when picking it up and putting it on.
6. Remember, less is always better when it comes to the weight of the backpack.  Ideally a child should not be carrying no more than 10 – 15% of their body weight i.e. if your child weighs 50 kilos the backpack should not weigh more than 7 kgs, to minimize the risk of injury.

If you are unsure if your child is carrying his/her backpack the correct way, call us today.  We can teach your child how to achieve the correct posture for a healthy back as well as show them the appropriate exercises to develop stronger muscles.  Remember your child does not have to suffer from neck, back or shoulder pain resulting from carrying or lifting a heavy backpack.  Call us today for a thorough examination.  Our experts at Central City Health Professionals consider Backpack Safety for Kids in Perth a very important aspect of a child’s health and lifestyle and we are happy to work with you and your child to achieve a pain free and healthy lifestyle for your child’s school years.  Let us take the load of your child’s back, and let our team of experts at Central City Health Professionals share their expertise with you and your family.

Your child’s health and wellbeing is most important.

Call Central City Health professionals Today
on 08 9421 1733 today and let the healing begin.