In Reply to: How much weight should a middle school student Carry in they're backpack posted by Cecily on December 14, 2000 at 20:17:54:

hi cecily-

I think the weight that children have to carry on their backs is completely ridiculous. Most schools have policies about not returning to lockers to get books, so children have to lug around a bunch of heavy books to each class.

when I have children, I will not allow them to carry a heavy load. I am 21 with many back problems, multiple surgeries etc. Although I do not think that my back problems were caused by the heavy weight I carried years ago it might have been a factor. My problems started when I was 16.

Some of my friends teach in schools and I've heard that there are now book bags that you can wheel around to each class. they are not cumbersome and they make a lot more sense than putting so much weight on a child's frame. you should look into it. :)

Dani