Shrinking size of school bag

The issue of heavy school bags has garnered significant attention worldwide due to its adverse effects on children's physical and psychological well-being. Numerous studies have demonstrated the negative impact of carrying heavy loads on students' health, prompting educators and policymakers to explore innovative solutions. .

Research has shown that heavy school bags are associated with back, shoulder, and neck pain in children. For instance, a study in Uganda found that about 30.8 per cent of students carried bags exceeding 10 per cent of their body weight, leading to a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and postural changes. Another study highlighted that carrying heavy loads can cause increased thoracic spine rotation and kyphosis, particularly in young boys. These postural changes can lead to long-term health issues, including chronic back pain and spinal deformities such as scoliosis. The physical burden of heavy school bags also translates into psychological stress. Students carrying heavy bags often experience increased fatigue, reduced concentration, and higher stress and anxiety levels. The constant discomfort can negatively impact their academic performance and overall school experience. In extreme cases, the strain can lead to sleep disturbances and social withdrawal, affecting the child's emotional and psychological development.

The issue of heavy school bags has been recognized in Oman, with the media and the government addressing the concern. The Observer highlighted the adverse impacts of heavy school bags on children's health and emphasised the importance of adhering to weight limits recommended by medical professionals. The Consumer Protection Authority has set standards for school bags to ensure they are lightweight and ergonomically designed. Additionally, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Oman has taken steps to alleviate this issue. Where possible, the MoE has advised schools to install lockers for students, especially those in Grades 1 to 4, to reduce the daily burden of carrying heavy school bags. They also recommended reducing the number of books students carry and limiting homework to decrease the overall load.

Many countries have successfully implemented measures to address the issue of heavy school bags, focusing on reducing the physical burden on students and promoting healthier practices. Spain has been proactive in reducing the weight of school bags by installing lockers in schools and promoting the use of digital textbooks. Italy has established guidelines limiting the weight of school bags to 10-15 per cent of a child's body weight. Schools have also introduced locker systems and ergonomic designs for school furniture to support better posture and reduce strain. These measures have effectively reduced the physical burden on students, promoting better health outcomes.

The UAE has conducted extensive health campaigns to educate parents, students, and teachers about the risks associated with heavy school bags. These campaigns promote proper packing techniques and the use of ergonomic backpacks. India has issued detailed guidelines through educational boards like NCERT and CBSE to limit the weight of school bags for different grade levels.

Several strategies can be employed to alleviate further the burden on students. Digital textbooks can significantly reduce the physical load on students. Transitioning to digital resources like e-books and tablets eliminates the need for multiple heavy physical books. Digital textbooks often have interactive features like videos and quizzes, enhancing the learning experience. This approach has been successfully implemented in countries like Finland and Singapore, where digital learning resources have become integral to the education system. Sharing resources within the school can minimize the need for each student to carry individual copies of all materials. Schools can provide classroom sets of textbooks and maintain resource centers with various learning materials. This approach reduces the physical burden and fosters a sense of community and cooperation among students.

Embracing minimalist approaches in educational settings can further reduce the physical and psychological burden on students. This involves encouraging students to carry only essential items and leveraging digital and shared resources. Encouraging students to bring only the core materials needed for each day can significantly reduce the weight of school bags. Implementing a rotation system for books and supplies based on the daily schedule can help manage the load more effectively.

Using multi-functional tools and compact storage solutions can minimise the number of individual items students need to carry. For instance, pens with multiple ink colors and notebooks with removable pages can reduce the overall weight of school supplies.

The issue of heavy school bags is a significant concern that affects students' physical and psychological well-being. Successful interventions from countries like Spain, Italy, the UAE, and India demonstrate that it is possible to reduce this burden through a combination of regulations, digital resources, shared materials, and efficient organization techniques. By promoting minimalist approaches and leveraging modern technology, schools can create a healthier and more supportive learning environment for students, ensuring their overall well-being and academic success.