Rolling Backpacks

For many students at Fallon, a rolling backpack seemed like an obvious solution when faced with so many supplies to carry. However, experts are beginning to disagree, arguing that they can cause health issues and may be more difficult to carry than standard bags. If that’s the case, what alternatives are available?

Researchers report that rolling backpacks impose stress on students’ bodies. If a student rolls their backpack with only one hand, more stress is put on one side of the spine. This weight can cause pain in the back, shoulders, and other areas, and, because children and young adults are still growing, it can cause permanent damage. In a summary of a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, it explains that, “Any kind of stress on the spine manifests itself as pain, injury, and discomfort. Numerous earlier studies have specified that carrying heavy school bags causes musculoskeletal disorders among adolescent students.”

In some cases, students may report that rolling backpacks are easier to carry and better suited to their daily activities. According to Dr. Gonzalez Alonso, Doctor of Chiropractic from Pennsylvania, “A rolling pack can be hard to carry up stairs. It may also be hard to roll over bumpy ground or in congested hallways.” Especially in areas with heavy snowfall or rainfall, muddy paths, or rough snow, backpacks and their contents can be damaged.

From a day-to-day perspective, rolling backpacks can pose hazards and impede students’ mobility. Anvika Panthage, a 7th grader at Fallon, says, “When I had a rolling backpack, whenever I went to lunch, people were constantly tripping over it, and my water bottle would fall out whenever I walked or ran too fast. My water bottle got a lot of dents. After a month of this, I switched to a regular backpack.” She also stated that kids’ feet got run over by backpacks, and she knows from personal experience that it hurts, since middle schoolers tend to carry a lot of items. This is a very common problem in Fallon’s hallways.

If rolling backpacks aren’t a good option, then how can people make their standard backpacks more wearable? Experts suggest that backpacks with two shoulder straps should sit on the arch of your back, have a padded back, a waist/belt strap, and a compartment to distribute weight. Wearing 2-strap backpacks incorrectly can also cause pain, so be mindful of how you wear them. Additionally, your backpack should not exceed 10% of your body weight. Another simple way to reduce backpack stress is to minimize the number of books and other supplies you carry. If you only keep exactly what you need for the school day in your backpack, the weight will decrease immediately.

When it comes to what you choose to carry or roll, ensure you do so in a considerate, responsible, and safe manner for you and those around you. If you wear a backpack, watch your load; if you roll a backpack, watch for others’ toes. You may want to consider a healthier option for your body.