Experts advise parents weigh children’s school bags ahead of start of term
M&S and chiropractic expert warn heavy school bags may put children’s health at risk.
Many studies have shown carrying a school bag that is too heavy can lead to back pain. Children’s health experts recommend a backpack should weigh no more than 10 percent of your child’s weight.
However, chiropractor and British Chiropractic Association (BCA) member, Dean Blackstock, tells M&S many children are carrying much more:
“Many parents don’t realise there’s a recommended weight limit for children’s school bags, as proper loading is vital for protecting spinal health, growth and development.
“Experts advise that a backpack should weigh no more than 10% of a child’s body weight, but with many bags far exceeding that, carrying too much can put additional strain on growing spines, muscles and joints. The results could be attributed to such things as poor posture, discomfort and long-term musculoskeletal issues.
“Children often compensate for heavy bags by changing their posture; leaning forward or sideways, which can cause imbalances and increases the risk of fatigue or injury. Repeat these postures day after day, term after term, year after year and you can see how injuries and discomfort arise.”
Average maximum bag weight by age
| Girls | Boys | |||
| Age | Average weight | Maximum bag weight | Average weight | Maximum bag weight |
| 4 years | 16kg | 1.6kg | 16.5kg | 1.7kg |
| 5 years | 18.3kg | 1.8kg | 18.6kg | 1.9kg |
| 6 years | 20.5kg | 2.1kg | 20.8kg | 2.1kg |
| 7 years | 23kg | 2.3kg | 23.1kg | 2.3kg |
| 8 years | 25.9kg | 2.6kg | 25.6kg | 2.6kg |
| 9 years | 28.9kg | 2.9kg | 28.4kg | 2.8kg |
| 10 years | 32.3kg | 3.2kg | 31.4kg | 3.1kg |
| 11 years | 36kg | 3.6kg | 34.6kg | 3.5kg |
| 12 years | 40.3kg | 4kg | 38.1kg | 3.8kg |
| 13 years | 45.4kg | 4.5kg | 43kg | 4.3kg |
| 14 years | 50.1kg | 5kg | 49.2kg | 4.9kg |
| 15 years | 53.4kg | 5kg | 55.4kg | 5.5kg |
| 16 years | 55.5kg | 5.6kg | 60.6kg | 6kg |
| 17 years | 56.9kg | 5.7kg | 64.3kg | 6.4kg |
| 18 years | 57.5kg | 5.8kg | 66.7kg | 6.7kg |
Importantly, when starting primary school at 4 years old, girls should carry no more than 1.6kg. The limit for boys is around 1.7kg. Even when finishing secondary school at 16, girls’ school bags should weigh no more than 5.6kg, while boys can carry up to 6kg.
That said, as children grow at varying rates and the average weight of girls and boys differs, it’s best to calculate an accurate maximum weight through some simple maths.
How to calculate your child’s exact maximum bag weight
- Weigh your child.
- Multiply your child’s weight by 0.1.
Once you’ve worked out how much your child can safely carry, start adding essentials such as a water bottle, lunchbox and planner to the bag and regularly check the weight. If the number on the scales surpasses the limit, consider which items could be removed.
Packing and wearing a school bag correctly
Packing items in a particular order and wearing the bag as designed can also make a difference, as Dean outlines:
“When packing your bag distribute weight evenly and place heavier items at the top to prevent the shoulders from being pulled backward. A few small adjustments to how children carry their school bags can make a big difference to their long-term musculoskeletal health.
“It’s not always seen as fashionable admittedly, but wearing it on both shoulders and adjusting the straps accordingly is vital to make sure the bag correctly supports the weight, easing pressure on the body.”
