School backpack overload: Heavy bags can strain kids’ bodies

Middle school students Claire Knoth and Brockton Lozano, along with high school student Zoie Knoth, shared their backpack contents on July 31, 2026, in Flagstaff, Arizona. Despite their fashionable designs, these bags can become too heavy when laden with digital devices, musical instruments, sports equipment, and school supplies like textbooks and laptops.

With lockers and classroom storage often unavailable, some children may carry more weight than their bodies can handle, which can negatively impact their ability to learn. As families prepare for the new school year, it's crucial to assess whether a child's backpack is too heavy and, if so, find ways to reduce its load.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that a child's backpack may be too heavy if they lean forward to support its weight or have difficulty walking. Straps should not cause discomfort or dig into the shoulders. Experts advise addressing a child's discomfort or pain promptly, as back injuries, though rare, can occur if a heavy backpack leads to a fall.

While 10% to 15% of a child's body weight is often used as a guideline for backpack weight, there is insufficient evidence to support a universal standard. Considering a child's individual size, strength, and physical development, caregivers should strive to keep backpacks as light as possible.