Some Chinese parents buy hardcover school backpacks from Japan, although they can be as expensive as 5, 000 yuan, according to Chinese newspaper Urban Express. These backpacks are popular because the hard cover helps hold books in place. But it turns out that the bags can barely fit in the students' desks.
"It can relieve (减轻) pressure from the shoulders, "says Dr Rob Danoff from the US. He also says students need a backpack that's made for the child's size. Cushioned (加垫的) backs and shoulder straps (带子) will help them avoid pain.
However, the biggest problem for school backpacks is that they are too heavy, noted Hou Weiguang, a doctor in Chengdu.
The weight makes many kids
Suffer from side-bending (侧弯的) spines, Hou said. He suggests that a backpack should be no more than 15 percent of a child's body weight to avoid pain or injury. That means if a student weighs 50 kg, the backpack should be less than 7. 5 kg.
Schools and governments need to help too, added Zheng Yongshun, an education official from Hong Kong. He said schools should offer locker (储物柜) space and shared books so kids can carry fewer books.
A. A good backpack is important for children's health.
B. This can help kids keep their balance and protect their spines (脊柱).
C. Parents need to make sure their kids only carry what they need.
D. School backpacks have been a hot topic in China recently.
E. In China, students have many textbooks and exercise books.
