The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children carry no more than 10 per cent to 20 per cent of their own body weight and that bags should typically weigh less than seven kilograms. For your typical boy or girl, it creates off-balance back pain, but the jury is still out on what these kids will look like in the years to come. Stoddard Fleisher Middle School in Philadelphia addressed the problem by allowing pupils to keep duplicate books at home. Principal Bernard McGee said the additional books cost more initially, but the investment pays off because fewer are lost and there is less wear and tear on them. Backpack Safety America's network of chiropractors have given lectures to schoolchildren countrywide.
Some parents buy backpacks with wheels that resemble luggage.
To be honest, I kind of like to see them with books. It means they're doing work. This article first appeared on December 19, 2000. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.