Parents spend an average of $1,098 (according to Canadian Press/Leger Marketing) and countless hours ensuring their children get off to the right start for the school year. However, they fail to make the grade when it comes to selecting proper backpacks for their kids.

So says Surrey chiropracor Dr. Thomas Burge.

"Scientific research is mounting that reveals an alarming danger associated with improper childhood backpack use," Burge said. "This research stems from the increasing number of reports of childhood back pain in recent decades."

The B.C. Chiropractic Association – concerned with the trend in avoidable injuries to the neck, shoulder and back – has launched a backpack safety program called Pack it Light - Wear it Right.

“Watch children in any schoolyard or walking down the sidewalk and see how they are struggling to walk while bent sideways under the weight of an overloaded backpack on one shoulder," Burge said. "You can quickly realize the potential danger that improper use of backpacks can have on a child’s developing spine.”

A recent study at Queen’s University has found that choosing the right backpack and taking care to distribute the weight evenly can make a big difference in avoiding painful injuries. Most health care professionals recommend that kids carry no more than 10 to 15 per cent of their body weight in their packs.

“I would challenge any adult doubting the importance of this to carry a backpack around for a few days loaded with 15 per cent of their adult body weight," Burge said.

Parents are urged to encourage their child to use their locker or desk frequently throughout the day and make sure kids don’t tote unnecessary items back and forth from school. They should also teach their children how to pick up their backpack correctly to avoid injury and use all backpack compartments when filling the pack, putting heavier items closest to the centre of the pack.

Additionally, parents should look for the following when choosing a backpack for their children:

• A lightweight pack;

• Wide, padded shoulder straps;

• A padded back;

• A waist belt;

• Multiple compartments.

For more healthy backpack tips, visit Burge's website at www.in-joylife.com