ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. -- It's back-to-school time, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has some tips for kids and parents.
The academy says if kids have first-day jitters, let them know other children are anxious too and that teachers can help.
The academy also says school backpacks should have wide padded shoulder straps and a padded back. And they shouldn't weigh more than 10 percent to 20 percent of the child's body weight.
Kids should be urged to wear seat belts on school buses. In car pools, kids under age 13 should ride in the back seat.
The group says kids should respond to bullies by staying calm, telling bullies to stop abusive behavior, and walking away.
