The Chiropractors Association of Ireland (CAI) has warned that heavy schoolbags can cause back problems in later life.
The warning came as thousands of children prepared for the up-coming start of the 2011 school year.
The CAI said the weight of a schoolbag should be limited to no more than 10% of a child's body weight.
President Dr Attracta Farrell said there had been an increase in the number of back-related complaints among young people.