The bags slung over the shoulders of South African schoolchildren may all look similar to the untrained eye – but they are not. Picture: Supplied
As the new school year begins, parents are making sure their children are ready with all the essentials, including stationery, textbooks, and of course, a school bag. Whether plain black, shocking pink, or patterned in every colour of the rainbow, the bags slung over the shoulders of South African schoolchildren may all look similar to the untrained eye – but they are not.
Surprisingly, the school backpack, while earning its reputation as “fashionable”, is not necessarily meeting the mark in “functional” – and our children are suffering for it.
In a national South African survey report by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), it’s cited that the distribution of weight in a schoolbag is integral to maintaining a healthy posture, and if neglected in its function and design, this becomes a contributing factor to postural deviations.
Physical ailments such as induced neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, moderate cardiopulmonary function, and shoulder, back, and hand pain are now being reported as a result of poor functional design and excessive bag carriage, in school goers of the modern day.
“Far superior to fashion, is support and function. This plays the biggest role in the purchase decision of the annual school backpack,” says Michal Oster, founding member of a family-owned bag company. “To prevent unnecessary strain and pain, parents should become familiar with the anatomy of a schoolbag, and thereby encourage their children to pack correctly for the day, and only what’s necessary,” says Oster.
Evidently, it's easy to get caught up in fun designs, the latest trends, and bright colours when making the purchase, but it is the anatomy of design that will ultimately determine what is best for the school-going years. Studies show that schoolchildren whose bags exceeded 15% of their body mass were around nine times more likely to report pain than those with bags weighing 15% below their body mass.
According to Oster, there are around eight key features that parents should look for when buying a school bag, which makes all the difference to comfort, posture, and health, namely:
Adjustable, padded straps
Look for wide, adjustable straps that have padding to cushion the shoulders. This feature is vital to avoid unnecessary strain, especially when carrying heavy loads. Some bags come with shoulder strap growth buckles that adjust as your child grows, keeping the bag comfortable (and your wallet happy) year after year.
Padded back panel
A high-density foam back panel distributes weight evenly across your child's back, preventing discomfort and potential long-term damage to the spine. It also helps the bag sit comfortably against the body, avoiding pressure points.
Durable zips and strong stitching
You need a bag that will withstand the daily wear and tear. Look for bags with high-quality, reinforced zips and strong, double-stitched seams.
Water-resistant material
Bags made of durable, water-resistant fabric will keep your child’s items safe from rain, scrapes, and spills.
Lightweight frame
Backpacks with internal aluminium frames help maintain the spine's natural curve and distribute weight evenly for more stability, spinal support, and less sway.
Airflow and ventilation
Bags with an anatomic air system promote airflow, helping to reduce sticky, sweaty (and potentially stinky) backs.
Self-standing design
A firm base with a self-standing mechanism will keep the bag upright, making it easy for your child to access their belongings without having to constantly pick the bag up off the floor.
Orthopaedic, really?
A big “watch word” in the school bag aisle is the term “orthopaedic”. This is a medical term and should only be used in fully certified designs. Using it to describe school bags without medical endorsement can be misleading.
“Choosing the right bag is just the starting point,” says Oster. High-quality manufacturers may have considered all the details mentioned above, but the bag’s effectiveness is undermined if it isn’t properly packed. As an additional step in the process, optimising your bag’s anatomy with adequate packing techniques, will ultimately be the win-win for the school year.
Here are Oster’s expert tips for packing a school bag strategically:
• Organise school supplies smartly
Start by sorting school supplies into categories and grouping similar items. Keeping everything neat and easily accessible ensures that items aren’t digging into your child’s back during the day.
• Don’t throw the weight around
One of the most important things to remember when packing a school bag is weight distribution. Heavier items should always be placed closest to the back, aligning with the body’s centre of gravity. This reduces pressure on the shoulders and spine to support your child’s back.
• Most school bags come with multiple compartments – use them
To make life easier for your child, use compartments to keep things organised. Placing books and devices close to the spine creates better weight distribution, while smaller, frequently used items like snacks or stationery can go in the outer pockets.
• Be wise – accessorise
Using accessories such as pencil cases, lunch bags, and water bottles helps improve how the bag carries, keeps items accessible, and prevents overpacking.
“Investing in a quality school bag is an investment in your child’s health,” says Oster. ”With the right bag and proper packing habits, school can remain a place of learning and growth; free from unnecessary back pain and posture issues.“