Working as a school secretary, I field many parent complaints that backpacks are too heavy. In response to parent complaints, our school district has bought second sets of some texts. One copy is to stay at home and one copy is to stay at school.
I would urge parents to consider several factors before having school districts spend thousands of dollars on second sets of textbooks or limit the weight of a book. (A random look into a classroom will reveal both copies of the books in at least one or two students’ desks.)
The size of children’s backpacks has increased over the years. Schoolchildren do not need backpacks with padded hip belts and mesh pockets for carrying water bottles. Extra features add extra weight. Oversize backpacks end up filled with games, toys, CDs and all sorts of extras that are not used at school.
The weight of full water bottles adds significantly to the weight of the pack. And little girls are notorious for collecting fancy key rings, dozens of which dangle off the straps of their backpacks.
Before parents complain about the weight of a backpack, they should weigh the backpack with no books. They would be surprised at the weight of the backpack, water bottles, key chains, etc.
Buy a smaller, more appropriate size backpack. Make sure it is one that fits into the child’s cubby or locker at school. There will be fewer accidents in the crowded hallways from oversize backpacks and less concern about back strain if the backpacks are an appropriate size. By avoiding purchasing a second set of texts, the school district will have more money for other school needs–like more physical education equipment to make our children more fit.
Downsize the backpacks; don’t downsize the books.
