Typically backpacks that children use for carrying their school equipment in have become a major concern because of the number of injuries that they cause. Although many people believe that most injuries that are caused by backpacks occur to the child's back, these only represent a small amount.
In a survey carried out between 1999 and 2000 by the NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System) it was found that of the 247 children admitted with injuries caused by backpacks to hospital emergency rooms injuries to the back were the least common. In fact below are a list of the injuries that were noted.
1. 22% of injuries were to the child's head or face.
2. 14% of injuries were to the child's hands.
3. 13% of injuries were to the child's wrist or elbow.
4. 12% of injuries were to the child's shoulders.
5. 12% of injuries were to the child's foot or ankle.
6. 11% of injuries were to the child's back.
7. 6% of injuries were to the child's neck.
8. Whilst the final 10% were made up of other injuries to the child caused by a backpack.
Of this total only 23% of all the injuries recorded occurred during the time the pack was being used when it was either being lifted, worn or when it was being taken off. Whilst the other 77% of all injuries related to the times when children had either tripped over them or had been hit with one.
Certainly there are a number of different things a parent can do to help ensure that their child does not end up being a statistic in relation to backpack related injuries. Firstly the parent should ensure that they buy their child the right size pack. When choosing a backpack for their child they should choose one which is not higher than the top of their child's shoulder and the bottom of it should not fall below the top of the hipbone. The shoulder straps on the backpack should be no less than 2 inches wide and be adjustable and also well padded as should the back of the pack. This offers the child both comfort and also protection. If you are able to purchase a backpack that has both hip and waist straps which will help then to take some of the weight within the pack off their shoulders and back. Also purchase a backpack for your child that has ample pockets of different sizes which will then help to ensure that the weight they are carrying around is evenly distributed and can also help to prevent the contents from moving around within the backpack as well.
As well as ensuring that the backpack you choose for your child has the above features you should also teach them how to correctly pack it. As well as teaching them this a parent needs to show their child the right ways in which to put on and take off their backpack as this will help to prevent some of the injuries that have mentioned above. Plus also teach them to know that they should never play with their backpack by swinging it around or to be wary when others are taking their backpacks off or putting them on. As well as them being aware of others around them when they are taking and putting their own on or off. Certainly a backpack such as the Osprey Atmos 65 may well be the ideal choice of backpack that a parent can choose for their child.
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