The short asnwer is ‘YES”. There are a number of ways that bags can contribute to poor posture and strain on children’s bodies.
The good news is there are also a number of things we can do to help minimise this strain and improve their posture 🙂
Firstly, choose a bag that helps them distribute weight more evenly across their back.
A backpack is obviously ideal, and even better is a backpack that has a waist strap. This can keep the weight of the bag closer to their back (especially helpful when they’re running!) and distribute some weight lower around their hips and pelvis, taking some load off their shoulders.
A satchel with an adjustable shoulder strap is the next best choice. The longer strap allows weight of the bag to be distributed across the body on both sides. The strap whould be longer rather than shorter, to keep the weight close to the pelvis. When the weight is dangling down around the legs it’s very hard to walk evenly.
Next, talk with your student about how it’s best for them to carry their bag.
It’s all very well to have selected a great looking bag that should, in theory, help their posture and unload their back and shoulders, but the way they carry it on a daily basis is possibly the most important factor.
We’ve all done it- slung our backpack over one shoulder so we end up taking all the weight through one side!
The key to success is their understanding that carrying their bag unevenly makes a BIG difference. Getting into the habit of putting both straps of a backpack on, or slinging a shoulder strap over their head and across their body takes so much strain off their back and shoulders.
The more often they can remember to wear their bag properly the better- little healthy choices all add up to help them feel less strain and improve their posture.
Finally, try to limit their load.
The lighter the bag the better… so if they need to use textbooks for home study, see if you can source some second hand ones to stop them needing to carry them to and from school.
Lighter tablets and laptops help, as does clearing out the junk in the bottom on their bag regularly 😉
Lots of gentle reminders during the school term and encouragement when you see them doing the right thing will help.
REmember, kids are only human, and the best prompt for making change will happen when their start to feel their symptoms… so if they’re complaining of a sore neck, back or shoulders, that’s your cue to help them problem solve the ‘Why’?
The wrong bag, worn incorrectly and loaded up, can be part of their problem. Other factors could be their device or desk setup, poor strength and flexibility, or simply spending too long sitting. These are worth asking about, and you’re welcome to reach out and ask me any questions.
If their soreness or tightness persists, even at a low level please seek help for your student- there’s often a quick and easy solution!
If you’d like some exercises for your family members to do at their desk to help lessen pain and improve their posture and productivity just click on the button below.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead for you and your students in 2020!
