By the Numbers
The lemonade stands have shuttered, the swimming pools are empty, and the yellow buses are back on the roads.
We’ve pulled some interesting data about what it takes to get back to school.
9 | The percentage of ten-year-olds in a study who had damaged spinal disks |
Some kids end up hauling too many books and supplies around their schools, which can lead to bad posture, back problems, or poor circulation. Make sure backpacks are worn with the weight distributed evenlythis means one-shoulder schoolbags are a no-no.
Tip: Don’t let your kids carry more than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight in their backpacks. A child who weighs eighty pounds shouldn’t carry a bag that’s more than twelve pounds.
Sources: kidshealth.org and ehow.com/good-posture
11 | The hours of sleep that children, ages five to twelve, should get each night |
If kids skip out on their zzz’s, it can lead to difficulties such as mood swings, behavioral problems, and cognitive issues, all of which can cause them to struggle in school.
Tip: Keep TVs and computers out of their bedrooms to help them avoid poor or inadequate sleep. Establish a nighttime routine and schedule. Also make sure bedrooms are dark, cool, and quiet.
Source: sleepfoundation.org
$689 | The estimated amount parents spent per child for the new school year |
July and August make up one of the most popular shopping seasons, second only to Christmas. This year marked the first since 2003 that back-to-school spending increased. It is estimated that $83.8 billion was spent on all U.S. students, including those in college.
Tip: To reduce cash doled out, purchase only items essential for your child’s first few weeks of school. After that, items get pushed to the clearance shelves. Also avoid sending dad to do the shopping; men spend about $40 more on school supplies than women.
Sources: bloomberg.com and finance.yahoo.com
3.7 Million | The estimated enrollment of U.S. kindergartners this fall |
Enrollment is down 100,000 from last year’s high when 3.8 million five-year-olds walked through U.S. elementary school doors; almost three-fourths of those kiddos attended kindergarten all day.
Tip: To prepare your little ones for their school debuts, talk with them about the upcoming changes in their schedules and ask if they have any concerns. If possible, try to arrange a meeting with their new teachers so they can feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar environment.
Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau News, and education.com
42 | The percentage of parents who planned to buy back-to-school tech gadgets |
Shopping for laptops, phones, tablets, and e-readers was popular, with electronics on half of schools’ required lists this year. Budgets for these gadgets hover just above $200—an all-time high. Almost 40 percent of shoppers planned to snag their electronics deals online.
Tip: Teach your kids to take charge (pun intended) and plug in their electronics after school. Also don’t forget to talk with them and monitor their internet use on these devices—free and unprotected connections are readily available.
Sources: prnewswire.com and usatoday.com
