{
  "id": 129093,
  "title": "School backpack overload: Heavy bags can strain kids’ bodies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/school-backpack-overload-heavy-bags-can-strain-kids-bodies",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T11:23:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/school-textbooks-backpacks-supplies-b4b0e22c66fa84e57e0252bc8446e51b"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nWith 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nWhile 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.",
  "summary": "Backpacks can be fashionable and functional, but they can also be too heavy — weighed down by digital devices , musical instruments, sports equipment and more. Some kids carry home a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/129093.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Medical Xpress",
        "title": "School backpack overload: Heavy bags can strain kids' bodies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/school-backpack-overload-heavy-bags-can-strain-kids-bodies",
        "published": "2026-08-05T06:39:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}