National School Backpack Awareness Day

National School Backpack Awareness Day is every year on the third Wednesday of September, focusing on the correct choice and usage of backpacks. Doctors emphasize that improper backpack use is a leading cause of poor posture and spine problems. On this day, teachers, parents, and children educate each other on how to select and wear a school backpack correctly, with manufacturers also participating in the events.

History

The first tourist backpack was introduced in 1938, used primarily for hiking and fishing. It was quite bulky, but after 30 years, a new model made from lightweight nylon emerged. The use of backpacks then expanded to students and schoolchildren. In 1968, JanSport, the largest backpack company, was founded. National School Backpack Awareness Day was first by the American Occupational Therapy Association in 2001.

Useful Tips

• Never wear a bag on one shoulder; this can lead to spine curvature.
• Adjust the height so that the bag sits a few centimeters above the hipline to reduce back strain.
• Choose a model with waist and chest straps, and make sure to use them.

How to Take Part

Attend themed events to listen to experts discuss the correct way to carry a school bag and the maximum weight a backpack should carry. Share information on social media, and create an infographic on how to choose and wear a backpack correctly.

When is National School Backpack Awareness Day in 2024?

National School Backpack Awareness Day is observed on the third Wednesday of September each year.

Observations