The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has produced guidance designed to help young people avoid developing back and neck pain while at school.
BackCare, a national charity which helps people manage and prevent back pain, recommends children do not carry more than 10 per cent of their own body weight, but a major American study has showed more than half carry up to 15 per cent.
Chartered paediatric physiotherapist Janice Clark has worked with the CSP to develop guidance in the form of a school day chart showing how to reduce the chances of back pain occurring.
"We can teach children simple moving and handling skills, which will go a long way towards preventing potential damage to their growing spines."
Along with heavy school bags, back and neck pain in school age children can also be caused by poor posture, inactivity or the wrong activities, and ill-fitting classroom furniture.
"While it might not be 'cool' to carry school bags properly, it would be a lot more 'uncool' to end up with debilitating back pain, leaving kids unable to enjoy even simple activities,"
said Janice.
"We can teach children simple moving and handling skills, which will go a long way towards preventing potential damage to their growing spines."
The chart includes information on selecting the right type of bag and packing it properly, plus advice for posture while carrying the bag, sitting at a desk and even watching television.
