Students Against Backpack Policy

Students Against Backpack Policy

October 28th, 2016 by Lainey Smith

In many schools students have started to carry their backpacks around school all day. Carrying their backpacks all day has removed the struggle with stubborn locker combinations, carrying arms full of heavy books, and racing to get to class on time. However health and security issues raise concern to schools about the pros and cons of backpacks in school.
There are many benefits to students being allowed to carry their backpacks in school. Not having to stop at their lockers in between classes allows for more time for things like using the bathroom, getting a drink, or stopping at the office or to stop and talk to a teacher. It would also allow for more lecture time for teachers because there would be less class interruptions to use the bathroom or get a drink. Backpacks with all their different pouches and zippers help students stay organized. Another benefit of students being allowed to carry their backpacks is that they will be more prepared for class which would cause less class disruption for students to go to their locker because they accidently forgot their notebooks or grabbed the wrong notebook for that class.
As well as the many benefits of students carrying their backpacks there is also many health concerns along with safety concerns. For example heavy contents can place excessive strain on growing bones and muscles. Health experts discourage carrying backpacks weighing more than 10 to 20 percent of the student's weight. But along with health risks there are also safety concerns. Students could be carrying weapons or drugs in their backpacks. Some schools have implemented rules and regulations to students carrying their backpacks at school. Some schools use metal detectors or just search students' bags upon entering school. Not all schools can provide the safety measures needed to allow students to carry their backpacks in school.
I have interviewed a couple of students about their stance on whether the benefits out way the problems or not. Out of the 3 students I interviewed they all think that being allowed to carry their backpacks all day in school would benefit them more than it would harm them. The students are hoping they see a change in the schools backpack policy soon.

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