Physiotherapists have advised parents they should take steps to avoid pain and poor posture in their children from wearing heavy schoolbags.

The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) says these effects can be avoided by considering the type of schoolbag, its contents and method of lifting and carrying the bag.

Chartered physiotherapist Sara Dockrell, who is an expert on back care and ergonomics, said there appeared to be a worrying trend now of shoulder bags worn over one shoulder and being used as schoolbags.

"It's not the ideal way to wear your schoolbag as it can lead to poor posture and significant discomfort. We want to get across at the start of the school year that there are simple things which parents and children can do to minimise discomfort and make the most from the exercise which kids can get when walking to school with their bags."

Some tips include:

* Buy a lightweight backpack style bag with adjustable padded shoulder straps to fit the size of the child's back. A bag that is too big for the child, or that has not been adjusted to fit correctly will hit against the child's bottom as he/she walks. The bag will move out of step with the child's normal gait pattern, this can result in a feeling of discomfort and greater feeling of effort.
* Look also for a padded back and a waist strap if possible, a waist strap distributes weight and a padded back protects the back.
* Children should put the heaviest items close to their backs as this means less strain on the spine.
* Children should wear the bag on their back with the straps on both shoulders. Carrying the bag on the back requires less effort and encourages better posture than carrying over one shoulder, which causes ‘shoulder shrug' on the side of carriage and 'side bending' to the opposite side.
* Carry only what they have to - children should think ahead and only carry books and other items they require. If there is a locker available in school, they should make good use of it.
* Carry books only when they have to - if kids are standing around or waiting for a bus, leave the school bag on the floor whilst waiting
* Avoid swinging the school bag around and lifting it on the back. This applies a combination of rotation and side bending with force to the spine. It is better to place the bag on a surface and then with your back to the bag, put your arms through the straps.
* Where possible involve the school - maybe encourage better timetabling of classes to minimise need for all books to be brought to school every day.