美国儿科学会对学生背包过重问题提出警示。[1]过重的背包可能导致儿童身体受伤，特别是在跌倒时风险明显增加。[1]医生萨迪卡·肯迪指出："如果他们绊倒摔跤，背着沉重的背包，这只会增加受伤的严重程度。"[1]
美国儿科学会表示，背包过重的警示信号包括儿童身体前倾以支撑重量或行走困难。[1]虽然业界常引用儿童体重的10-15%作为背包重量指南，但肯迪医生表示没有足够证据来建立统一的标准，强调保持背包尽可能轻才是最为稳妥的做法。[1]
在背包选择和使用上，美国儿科学会建议选用配备两条宽厚肩带、衬垫背部以及腰部和胸部带的背包，以减轻对身体的压力。[1]此外，儿童在乘坐运动中的车辆时应脱下背包，因为穿着背包会影响安全带在碰撞或紧急停止时的保护作用。[1]
The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about the dangers of overloaded school backpacks, cautioning that excessive weight can cause physical strain and increase injury severity when children fall [1]. Signs of an overly heavy backpack include children leaning their bodies forward to compensate for the weight or experiencing difficulty walking [1].
Dr. Sadika Kendi emphasized the compounding effect of falls, stating: "If they trip and fall, and they're carrying a heavy backpack, this only increases the severity of injury" [1]. While the 10-15 percent body weight guideline is commonly cited as a reference point for backpack weight, Kendi noted that insufficient evidence exists to establish a universal standard [1]. Experts recommend keeping backpacks as light as possible and using proper carrying techniques to minimize harm [1].
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends selecting backpacks equipped with two wide, padded shoulder straps and cushioned back and waist or chest supports [1]. Additionally, children should remove their backpacks while riding in vehicles, as wearing a backpack can interfere with the proper function of safety belts during collisions or emergency stops [1].