Similar bit:
The strict control and short gaps between class times leads a lot of students transitioning into high school to pack a hell of a lot of weight into their school bag. To minimize the time spent picking books and supplies up from their locker.
Around when I was in middle school this lead to a rash of physical injuries and ergonomic problems that made national news.
I remember a couple kids in my tiny school ending up needing surgery. I distinctly remember serious back pain and dragging around a bag over flowing with books.
The solution was rolling cases, and eventually backpacks inspired by frame style hiking backpacks.
Children physically injured and we didn’t loosen things up. We required specialized equipment instead.
Older kids tended to come up with better solutions. Rigging a locker to remove the latch. Or just not bringing what you’re supposed to. In my case this included just not doing homework. Don’t need to carry that binder and text book if you didn’t do the shit that needs review. We’d also stash books in trash cans outside classrooms or in odd corners.
This is all very normal and not disturbing right?
