Preventing Backpack-Related Injuries

Protect your kids from backpack-related injuries.

Backpacks that are too heavy can cause a lot of problems for kids, like back and shoulder pain, and poor posture. The problem has grabbed the attention of lawmakers in some states, who have pushed for legislation requiring school districts to lighten the load.

While we wait for solutions like digital textbooks to become widespread, there are things you can do to help prevent injury:

• Select an ergonomic design.
• Buy the correct size: never wider or longer than your child’s torso and never hanging more than 4 inches below the waist.
• Look for the following features: padded back and shoulder straps, hip and chest belts to transfer weight, multiple compartments and reflective material.
• Don’t overstuff – the contents should not weigh more than 10-20% of your child’s body weight.
• Ask your child to wear both straps to evenly distribute the weight.
• A roomy backpack may seem like a good idea, but the more space there is to fill, the more likely your child will fill.
• Help your child determine what is absolutely necessary to carry. If it’s not essential, leave it at home.

Casey & Devoti is a St. Louis-based personal injury law firm. Together Partners Matt Casey and Matt Devoti have nearly 40 years of trial experience.  They handle a variety of personal injury matters, including:  car, truck and train crashes, victims of impaired and distracted driving, medical malpractice and birth injuries, product liability, slips/trips/falls, elder care and sexual abuse, Workers’ Compensation, and wrongful death.  Matt and Matt proudly serve clients throughout metropolitan St. Louis, southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois.  If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, call the office today for a free, no-obligation consultation:  (314) 421-0763.