Occupational therapy promotes backpack safety by teaching proper fit, safe weight limits, and posture techniques to prevent pain, injury, and long-term musculoskeletal issues in students.
Do you think much about the safety of the backpack that you carry?
National School Backpack Awareness Day is an educational event is sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association to support students of all ages. In addition, the Occupational Therapy (OT) providers at New Horizons Wellness Services are working to call attention to backpack safety. Health problems in children and adults can be caused by backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly.
Have you noticed how many books and other items your child carries to and from school daily?
As a high school or college student, do you struggle to pack around the things that you need for long days in class? Research suggests that the amount of weight people carry in their backpacks is a growing national health concern. For example, problems that can be related to improper backpack use include neck, shoulder and low back pain. In addition, postural limitations can occur as children change the way that they hold their bodies to compensate for the weight of their backpack. For more information about safety concerns related to backpacks, click here.
Occupational Therapists can help to determine what type of backpack is the best fit and how items should be packed inside.
Your Occupational Therapist can help you find the right size and style pack to fit your child’s body. In addition, exercises to develop core strength and good posture with and without a backpack on can be included in the treatment plan. Occupational Therapists can help to prevent the “Black Hole” of backpacks, where too many papers and supplies are put inside so that students can’t find what they need. This is especially common with students experiencing executive function disorder or ADHD. OTs provide organizational strategies to reduce the need to carry as many supplies each day.
National School Backpack Awareness Day is a reminder to all of us look at backpacks and consider if changes need to be made to what is carried and how the pack is worn.
Conclusion
National School Backpack Awareness Day serves as an important reminder to evaluate how backpacks impact our health—especially for students who carry them daily. From neck and back pain to postural issues, the effects of heavy or improperly worn backpacks can be serious. Recognizing these risks early can make a lasting difference in a child’s development and comfort.
At New Horizons Wellness Services, our Occupational Therapy team is committed to promoting backpack safety by helping students and families choose the right pack, learn proper wearing techniques, and develop strategies for reducing unnecessary load. Whether through personalized support for posture and core strength or organizational tools for students with ADHD or executive function challenges, our OTs are here to help lighten the load—literally and figuratively.
In addition to occupational therapy, New Horizons Wellness Services offers a variety of supportive care options:
● Counseling Services provide a safe, therapeutic space for children, teens, and adults to navigate emotional challenges, anxiety, depression, and stress.
● Occupational Therapy Services are available for individuals of all ages and focus on enhancing daily functioning, promoting independence, and improving physical and cognitive skills.
● Occupational Therapy for Adults supports those dealing with injury recovery, chronic pain, or work-related strain, helping them return to meaningful activities with greater ease and comfort.
● Pediatric Occupational Therapy is tailored for children experiencing developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, or fine motor difficulties—fostering skills for school and everyday life.
● Social Skills Group sessions help children and teens build stronger communication, cooperation, and peer interaction abilities through guided, interactive experiences.
Let this awareness day inspire you to take a closer look at what you or your child are carrying and how it’s carried. A few thoughtful changes today can lead to a healthier, more comfortable tomorrow. Contact us now!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I tell if my child’s backpack is too heavy or being worn incorrectly?
A good rule of thumb is that a backpack should not weigh more than 10–15% of a child’s body weight. Signs of improper wear include slouching, leaning forward, or complaints of back, neck, or shoulder pain. Occupational Therapists can assess backpack fit and use, and offer guidance to prevent strain and injury.
What support does pediatric occupational therapy provide for students struggling with heavy backpacks?
Pediatric Occupational Therapy helps children strengthen their posture, improve core stability, and learn how to organize and manage school materials more efficiently. It also addresses motor skills and executive functioning, helping reduce physical and cognitive overload caused by improper backpack use.
Can adult occupational therapy help with backpack-related pain in college students or working professionals?
Yes. New Horizons Wellness Services offers Occupational Therapy for Adults that addresses posture correction, ergonomic education, and strength-building exercises. These services can relieve strain from heavy bags and support long-term spine and joint health, especially for those who commute or carry items regularly.
Yours in Health,
New Horizons Wellness Services8880 SW Nimbus Ave Suite C.,
Beaverton, OR 97008
- https://g.page/newhws
New Horizons Wellness Services provides a true multidisciplinary approach to mental & physical health treatments for children, adults and families.