What is the best way to carry a school bag?

Every morning, it's the same routine. Your schoolboy puts on his schoolbag, heavily loaded with books and notebooks, and leaves for school. But have you ever thought about the impact that this simple act could have on his health ? As a parent, the question of how Wear a school bag well seems minor compared to more pressing concerns like nutrition, education, or your child's safety. However, it is a subject that deserves our full attention.

Improper wearing of a schoolbag results in Painsome Posture disorders and can even affect well-being and academic performance of your child. Yet these problems can be prevented. How? By choosing a luggage Well adapted and teaching your child how to wear it properly.

In this article, we will explore the Best ways for your young student to wear the school accessory. We will discuss the Challenges of inadequate harbouringsome Characteristics of a well-adapted bindersome Good port practices and the role you, the parent, can play in Prevent these problems. So, dive in with us in this comprehensive guide to ensuring a future without back pain for your child. His health is well worth a few minutes of reading, isn't it?

The stakes of an inadequate schoolbag

Health consequences

Improper carrying of a school bag has adverse effects on the physical health of the child, especially on his back and spine. Excessive weight of school supplies can cause back pain, chronic back pain, and in some cases, can even lead to spinal deformities.

The student who carries his luggage on one shoulder develops muscle asymmetry: which causes balance problems. Not to mention that the growing child is particularly vulnerable to damage that could have long-term repercussions.

The well-being and comfort of the child

A poorly worn or too heavy schoolbag is not only a health problem, but also a comfort issue. Young people who carry an inadequate bag may feel uncomfortable and hampered in their movements, especially when climbing stairs or travelling on public transport. This discomfort limits their mobility, their ability to actively participate in recreational or sports activities, and can even affect their mood and overall well-being.

Impact on school performance

The effect of wearing an incorrect school bag goes beyond physical health and well-being. Indeed, physical discomfort is a source of distraction for the child, limiting his ability to concentrate in class and thus impacting his academic performance.

In addition, physical fatigue caused by too much baggage is likely to make the student less willing to do homework or study. Thus, improper use of the accessory can have a domino effect, ranging from physical discomfort to a potential impact on academic performance.

The characteristics of a well-adapted binder

Height and weight criteria

A good school bag should be adapted to the height and weight of the child. According to the recommendations of many health experts, the weight of the schoolbag, once loaded, should not exceed 10% of the child's body weight. For example, a child weighing 30 kg should not carry luggage weighing more than 3 kg.

In addition, the size of the school accessory is also important: it should be wide enough to hold all the material requested by the teachers, but not wider than the student's back to avoid any imbalance.

Design features

In addition to size and weight, other design features are also important for a suitable schoolbag. For example, the materials in the bag should be durable, but not too heavy.

It is recommended to choose a bag with padded and adjustable shoulder straps that help distribute the weight evenly on the shoulders. In addition, a binder with several compartments helps to better distribute the weight of school things.

Alternatives to the traditional schoolbag

There are also other options than the traditional rectangular schoolbag. The backpacks Ergonomic are designed to fit the user's body and distribute weight more evenly.

The Wheeled bags, or "trolleys", are another alternative, although they are not suitable if the student has to climb a lot of stairs. Each alternative has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on the specific needs of each.

➡️ To learn more about this alternative luggage, check out our article " What is a wheeled schoolbag? »

Wearing your schoolbag well can be learned and it's easy! Question of habit...

Wearing the schoolbag on two shoulders

For a balanced distribution of weight, it is essential that the child carries his schoolbag on both shoulders, and not on only one side. Indeed, carrying the school bag on one side can cause imbalance, put excessive pressure on a shoulder, and potentially lead to pain and posture problems.

By carrying the bag on both shoulders, the back muscles work in a more balanced way, which reduces the risk of back pain.

The adjustment of the straps

The correct adjustment of the accessory straps is equally important. The shoulder straps must be adjusted so that the top of the luggage does not extend beyond the shoulders and the bottom is at hip level.

A bag that is too low forces the child to lean forward or bend, which can lead to back pain. The straps should also be tight enough so that the school bag stays close to the back and doesn't swing when moving.

The distribution of weight in the binder

The organization of belongings inside the luggage can also influence the load on the back. Heavier objects, such as books and filing cabinets, are placed as close to the back as possible, while lighter objects occupy the outer compartments. This allows for better weight distribution and reduces strain on the back.

The importance of not overloading the school bag

Finally, even if it may seem obvious, it is important to remind the child not to overload his schoolbag. They should only take with him what he needs for the day. This requires good organization and planning on his part, but it is necessary to prevent back problems in the long term.

Remember: the 10% rule...

❓ Need help? Discover 10 simple and effective tips for a tidy school bag all year round!

Role of parents and schools in prevention

Awareness and education

It is important that you, as parents, take an active role in educating your child on the proper way to carry their schoolbag. This includes checking the weight of the accessory, teaching proper lifting technique (by bending the knees and not the back), and checking that the straps are properly adjusted. Implementing these best practices early on will help prevent back problems in the long term.

Communication with the school

Maintaining open communication with the school is essential. This involves discussing with teachers the need to limit the weight of supplies, for example by using e-books or leaving certain books at school. In addition, schools can help by organizing workshops or information sessions on the proper way to carry a school bag.

Involvement of health professionals

If your child regularly complains of back pain, it is recommended to consult a health professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist. These professionals are able to provide specific and personalized advice on how to carry a school bag to minimize strain on the back. They can also help identify and treat back problems that are already present.

The best way to carry your schoolbag, in summary

In conclusion, the correct wearing of school bags is a matter of vital importance for your child's health, well-being and academic performance. The improperly worn accessory causes many problems, including back pain, posture disturbances and general discomfort, which in turn can affect concentration and academic performance.

Choosing a suitable binder is the first step to preventing these problems. Focus on the size and weight of the accessory, ensure the quality of its design, and consider alternatives if necessary. Then, it is crucial to teach your schoolboy (or schoolgirl) how to properly carry his schoolbag: carry it on both shoulders, adjust the straps correctly, distribute the weight well inside and avoid overloading it.

Parents, you have a major role to play in educating your young student on these good practices and communicating with the school to promote solutions that limit the weight of the school bag. In addition, the involvement of health professionals may be necessary in case of repeated back pain in children.

Faced with these challenges, it is time for everyone, parents, teachers, school luggage manufacturers and health professionals, to take measures to preserve the health of students. Every action counts, every effort makes a difference. So let us act today for the well-being of our children tomorrow.

Discover our school luggage storage!

Sources:

• « Backpack, school bag, suitcase with wheels: to protect the back, what matters most is the weight! » Press release of August 27, 2019 — Osteopaths of France
• ouest-france.fr: ideal weight of the schoolbag to preserve the children's backs