The purpose of this petition is to propose a reevaluation of the required school supply list, particularly for our middle school and high school students, in an effort to reduce the weight of their backpacks, which are putting a considerable strain on their spines. 

When I drop my kids off at school, I watch with great concern their bent bodies bearing the weight of heavy backpacks. On average, between the ages of 11-18, the percentage of spinal growth is approximately 25% of its final adult length. Heavy backpacks force the spine into flexion. It also forces the head into a forward position, which has a considerable effect on the spine. The proper alignment of the cervical spine (neck) is already jeopardized with today’s technology, it is known as "text neck." The effective weight the head has on the spine in proper alignment is 10-12lbs. The added weight to the spine for a head that is even 15 degrees more forward increases to 27lbs, 40lbs at 30 degrees and 49lbs at 45 degrees etc.,! "Text neck" easily has the kids already at the 15 degree mark and we are exacerbating this with heavy backpacks. To better understand this, try holding a book with both hands close to your chest, then hold it out in front of you and notice how much heavier it feels. 

Research shows that carrying excessive weight in backpacks can lead to chronic back pain, poor posture, and long-term spinal issues. According to a study published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 14,000 children are treated annually for backpack-related injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child's backpack should not exceed 10-15% of their body weight, yet many children carry much more.

Despite the fact that the schools offer lockers for the kids, they don’t use them. Forcing them to use lockers will be more of a headache for the schools, as kids will inevitably forget their combinations, have issues opening the locks, or simply ignore the rule and not use them.  I strongly feel we should reevaluate the need for some of the required school supplies that remain in our middle school and high school children’s backpacks throughout their school day, particularly binders and textbooks. In addition to benefiting the health of our children’s spines, making adjustments to the school supply list will help our bank accounts!

 I urge you to join me in calling for schools to reassess and adjust their mandatory supply lists to ensure they are as light and manageable as possible.

Sign this petition to make a change that will safeguard the future health of our children's spines.