In 2001 overweight backpacks were the cause of 7,000 emergency room visits and numerous complaints of muscle spasms, neck and shoulder pain. Currently, students are required to lug around up to seven books; and, in addition numerous heavy binders everyday. Not only are these items carried to and from school everyday, students must haul them along in-between classes too. This poses many health risks and increases the chance for things to be lost. A simple solution to this problem would be to give each student a set of books to take home, and another to leave in their classrooms. If schools had a class set of books in every classroom, it would prevent students from developing back problems, there would a less chance of books getting lost, and students would be more inclined to do their homework.
In one study, six out of 10 students ages 9 to 20 reported chronic back pain related to heavy backpacks. However, the backpacks themselves are not the main concern, the weight of the objects being carried is the true problem. One textbook can weigh up to seven pounds. Now imagine six of those books plus the added weight of binders and other school supplies. It's no wonder the average student carries a backpack weighing almost one-fourth of his body weight. Just by giving each classroom a set of books, it could lower the number of students who must be treated each year for back problems due to overweight backpacks. .
Every year, many students end up paying fines for lost and/or damaged textbooks. This problem would significantly decrease if high schools purchased an extra class set of books. Not to mention how grateful students, as well as parents would be. The price range of most of our textbooks is between $40-60; students have much better ways to spend their money. Many times students can accidentally leave their books in a classroom or on the bus, never to see them again. Sometimes, books are even stolen right out of students" lockers.
