School Bag Weight Should Not Exceed 10 Percent of a Child's Body Weight
Ahead of the new academic year, experts drew attention to the effects of school bag selection and usage on children's skeletal systems.
With the approach of the new academic year, experts warned that the weight of school bags should not exceed 10 percent of the total body weight in order to protect children's spinal health.
Importance of Ergonomic Habits
It is of great importance to instill correct bag usage, proper seating arrangements, and movement habits in school-age children at an early age.
These ergonomic habits acquired during childhood lay the foundation for musculoskeletal health in later years.
Risks of Incorrect Bag Usage
Incorrect bag usage can lead to pain in the neck, shoulder, and back regions in children.
This situation also paves the way for muscle fatigue and the deterioration of posture habits over time.
Bag Weight Calculation
The weight of the school bag must definitely not exceed 10 percent of the child's body weight.
For example, the bag of a child weighing 30 kilograms should be at most 3 kilograms.
Proper Strap Usage
Both shoulder straps found on the majority of bags must be used completely.
Bags carried on a single shoulder can cause problems in the skeletal system over time by placing an unbalanced load.
Balanced Posture Habit
Children, who spend a significant part of the day sitting, should be taught correct posture, namely the habit of balanced posture.
While studying, the head should be held balanced, the back supported, and the feet should touch the floor completely.
Screen Usage and Breaks
Long-term phone and tablet use causes the head to tilt forward, negatively affecting the muscular system.
While studying or in front of a screen, children must definitely take breaks ranging from 3 to 5 minutes at specific intervals.