Skip to main content
SD23 Dashboard
Rutland Elementary School
The Race to Excellence Has No Finish Line
It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again.
Home
About Us
About RLE
Bell Schedule
Calendar
Code of Conduct
Mission
Newsletters
Parent Handbook
Principal’s Message
Registration
Learning Plan
Programs & Services
Basketball Program
BC Fruit and Veggie Program
Child & Youth Mental Health Services
Counsellor
Library
Library Schedule
Library Catalogue
Online Databases
Web Links
Featured Books
Programs & Events
Rutland Community School
Social Justice Club
Student Support Services
Track and Field Program
Volunteer Opportunities
Zones of Regulation
Parents
About the Foundation Skills Assessment
Backpack Safety
Currently selected
Blended Classes
Cell Phone & Other Electronic Devices
Is Your Child Being Bullied?
Keeping Our Students Sharp!
Parent Handbook
Parent Resources
Parents Guide to School Discipline
Pay Fees Online
Planning a Vacation?
School Newsletters
Sources of Sport Funding
Traffic Safety
School Messenger - Safe Arrival Absence Reporting
Kindergarten
PAC
Events
Students
Classes & Assignments
Reading, Writing & Math Games
Unplug and Play Week
Photos, Videos & News
Backpack Safety
Page Content
Dear Parent/Guardian,
“Strapping on the backpack” is a daily ritual for students who struggle to stuff and carry the necessities of school: Books, binders and supplies, alongside their sports gear, food and drinks. Research indicates that there are long-term health risks associated with youth who wear poorly designed backpacks or carry too much weight.
In fact, over 50% of Canadian youth will suffer at least one back pain episode during their school
years.
Not only are these injuries painful, they can directly impact the enjoyment of
leisure and sports activities that are critical part of a young person’s life.
The British Columbia Chiropractic Association has provided us with the
“Pack it Light. Wear it Right” backpack safety program
to drastically reduce the risk of injury and support your child’s physical development.
[4]
[3]
BACKPACK SAFETY TIPS
Elementary students should not carry more than 10% of their
body weight. (eg. If your child is 80 pounds, they shouldn’t carry more than eight pounds- or the equivalent of a pair of shoes, a snack, drink and 2-3 textbooks).
SEE THE TABLE TO THE RIGHT.
Backpacks should be
made of the light materials
. Vinyl and canvas are much better than leather.
Backpacks with
2
straps
distribute weight better than bookbags slung over the shoulder. Function over fashion!
The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.
The shoulder straps should be
at least 2 inches wide
and not fit too snugly around the arms.
A hip strap or waist belt can take as much as 50-70% of the weight off the shoulders and spine.
Students should pack heavy items closest to the body.
Using both straps
is critical - slinging the pack on one side causes the spine to lean, increasing the likelihood of back problems that can worsen later in life.
The best way to put on a pack is to
place it on a desk or table at waist
height
and then slip it on. Avoid twisting!
[2]
