18th September - National School Backpack Awareness Day 2019

National School Backpack Awareness Day, on September 18, strives to make sure students wear backpacks safely. Improper use can lead to back pain or injury.

Sangeeta Jain Sep 17, 2019 1395 0

National School Backpack Awareness Day 2019

National School Backpack Awareness Day that is observing on September 18 endeavors to ensure students wear backpacks carefully. Improper carrying school bags can lead to health issues like back pain or injury, and can certainly affect learning. On this particular day, teachers, students, and guardians meet up to ensure families are aware of the risk factors — and that backpacks are being worn appropriately.

When is National Backpack Awareness Day?

This year, National Backpack Awareness Day will be celebrating on September 26, 2018.

Every year it is commemorated on the third Wednesday of every September month and this year it will be on the 26th instead out of respect for Yom Kippur, which ends the night of Wednesday, September 19.

National School Backpack Awareness Day

Why Does National Backpack Awareness Day Matter?

At least 90% of kids use backpacks on a regular basis every day! Shockingly, the vast majority of them carry backpacks over the prescribed weight. Furthermore, just 4% of guardians really check the heaviness of their kids' backpacks.

That is the reason it's so essential to bring issues to light about legitimate backpack habits (and why National Backpack Awareness Day exists!).

For example:

Heavier books ought to be stuffed toward the child’s back
The weight of the backpack ought to be equivalent to no more than 10% of the kid’s body weight
Straps ought to be tight and supported by the child’s body
If accessible, hip belts and chest straps ought to be attached
The lower part of the backpack should rest no lower than 4 inches beneath the waistline

3 Tips For Wearing A Backpack Safely

Use both straps

Slinging your backpack on one shoulder can lead to bad posture, and injury or pain.

Adjust the height

Backpacks should be worn high on your back; they should sit an inch or two above your hips.

Use the waist and chest strap

The horizontal straps help distribute the weight and keep your load stable as you move.

National School Backpack Awareness Day Tips

Why National School Backpack Awareness Day is Important

It keeps students safe

Backpacks worn incorrectly can lead to pain or injury. That's why it's so important to check the weight and use them properly.

It brings the community together

National Backpack Awareness Day brings everyone together to learn about backpack safety. It is an opportunity to reach parents and caretakers, along with students themselves.

It helps kids

Not only is this a chance to highlight backpack safety, it is also a chance for the community to learn about the challenges their students are facing.

How to Observe National School Backpack Awareness Day