HOW TO backpack safety tips for students

Strengthen students’ knowledge without overworking their backs

As Fairmont students become familiar with the routines of school and carrying their backpacks, we would like to offer sound advice for parents to help their children use backpacks properly. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Occupational Therapy Association have provided helpful tips on backpack safety.

The backpack should be appropriately sized for the student to use comfortably. It should have enough room for necessary school items and have wide, padded shoulder straps as well as a padded back. 

Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly on the student’s back. A backpack hanging loosely from the back will strain muscles. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can also strain muscles. Your student should always use both shoulder straps.

Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments and pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. Try to arrange books and materials so they will not slide around. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight. 

Please feel free to share your thoughts on this topic and provide additional tips that will help students have an enjoyable and rewarding learning experience at Fairmont Private Schools.

Please click here for more information regarding proper backpack use. 

Image Credit:  http://www.promoteot.org/ai_backpackstrategies.htm

Contributed by Doug, Fairmont Private Schools