Our teen's school backpack must weigh at least 30 pounds (a big binder and text book for each class). This hasn't been a huge issue since we currently have a carpool in place. Next year she'll be going to school via public transportation. This will involve walking 10-15 minutes to and from the bus stop. She refuses to consider a backpack on wheels...too cool for that. The only thing I can think of is getting lighter weight binders. Other suggestions? Thanks so much.

Carrying way too much weight is definitely an on-going problem for students these days. Most experts agree that most high school kids should not regularly carry a load greater than 15 percent of their body weight (does your daughter weigh 200 pounds?). There are two issues to address - 1. keeping the weight down and 2. minimizing the effect by selecting a well-fitting pack, and packing it right.

A few ideas for the first issue: if possible, buy a separate copy of the heaviest textbooks to keep at home (assuming there is a locker or other place to keep the other books at school); encourage her to carry only what she really needs each day (leave the magazines and multiple CD's at home) - this may involve having her actually talk to teachers about this; have her use her locker as much as possible, so she only carries around a few classes worth of stuff at a time; encourage frequent binder purges - again, she'll have to ASK what school papers she needs to keep and have available at school, what she needs to keep for studying, but can keep at home, and what she really doesn't need any more (and tear out finished pages from planners and spiral notebooks); assuming she has a locker at school - keep a separate stash of supplies such as pencils, highliters, binder paper, etc. at school rather than lugging everything back and forth (every ounce can help!); have her carry her lunch, sports gear, etc. in a separate bag, carried in her arms, so not all of the weight is in one place; try to discuss the issue with teachers and administrators to see if they can cut down on the number of heavy books that need to be in class each day, remind kids to clear out old papers, and try to give kids enough time to use lockers between periods.

As for the second issue, wheeled backpacks - even if she was willing to use them - do not solve everything. Select a strong backpack, ideally with ''snugger'' straps, so the load will be compact. It should have well padded shoulder straps (wear both!), and be adjusted so the bottom of the pack rests in the lower back curve, low on the hips. Items should be packed with heavier things closer to her back, and arranged to keep them from sliding around. If possible, choose one with a hip strap, and hope she will use it at least for the longer bus-school treks. If she prefers a messenger-style bag, be sure she wears it across her body, with the weight evenly distributed, not slung over one shoulder.

Finally - if she experiences any neck or back pain, get it checked by your health professional.

I worked on a ''Backpack Awareness Day'' at my son's school, and I have some handouts and information I can forward to anyone. e-mail me at rkonoff@yahoo.com.

For more information, check out http://www.promoteot.org/AI_BackpackAwareness.html

R. K.