Ahead of the start of the new term, M&S have partnered with chiropractor and British Chiropractic Association (BCA) member, Dean Blackstock, to explain the health dangers and share one simple rule parents can follow to protect their children. 

Many studies have shown carrying a school bag that is too heavy can lead to back pain. Children’s health experts recommend a backpack should weigh no more than 10 percent of your child’s weight.

However, chiropractor and British Chiropractic Association (BCA) member, Dean Blackstock, tells M&S many children are carrying much more:

“Many parents don’t realise there’s a recommended weight limit for children’s school bags, as proper loading is vital for protecting spinal health, growth and development.

“Experts advise that a backpack should weigh no more than 10% of a child’s body weight, but with many bags far exceeding that, carrying too much can put additional strain on growing spines, muscles and joints. The results could be attributed to such things as poor posture, discomfort and long-term musculoskeletal issues.

“Children often compensate for heavy bags by changing their posture; leaning forward or sideways, which can cause imbalances and increases the risk of fatigue or injury. Repeat these postures day after day, term after term, year after year and you can see how injuries and discomfort arise.”

The start of the school year is a good opportunity to review the safe maximum bag weight for your child. The table below shows the maximum weight of the bag and its contents for children of each age, according to average weight.

Average maximum bag weight by age

Importantly, when starting primary school at 4 years old, girls should carry no more than 1.6kg. The limit for boys is around 1.7kg. Even when finishing secondary school at 16, girls’ school bags should weigh no more than 5.6kg, while boys can carry up to 6kg.

That said, as children grow at varying rates and the average weight of girls and boys differs, it’s best to calculate an accurate maximum weight through some simple maths.