Schools in the UAE are implementing a new policy to advise students against carrying backpacks that exceed 20 per cent of their body weight. This policy is in accordance with directives from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). As students prepare to return to school after a long summer break, many schools are promoting the use of lightweight bags and setting maximum weight limits based on grade levels to ensure student safety.
Robert Rinaldo, the Head of School at GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of adhering to government regulations regarding backpack usage. The weight of a student’s backpack should not exceed 20 per cent of their body weight, and each grade level has a maximum backpack weight established for safety. Some schools have also prohibited trolley bags and require backpacks with individual compartments for books and other items.
The use of trolley bags is discouraged in certain schools due to concerns raised by medical experts. Studies have shown that trolley bags can lead to spinal rotation and encourage students to carry more items than necessary, potentially causing harm to their bodies. While there are no specific guidelines from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), student health and safety remain a top priority for schools in the UAE.
It is recommended that students wear both straps of their backpacks and use wide, padded straps for comfort. Teachers regularly monitor backpack weights, and parents are advised to reduce the load if it exceeds the 20 per cent limit. Students are encouraged to pack only essential items in their bags, such as a water bottle, pencil case, and any required reading materials. Trolley bags are allowed only for primary grades to protect delicate shoulders from potential harm.
Excessive weight in backpacks can lead to increased fatigue, forward-leaning posture, chronic pain, and other postural issues. Doctors have noted that carrying bags exceeding 20 percent of body weight can negatively impact a child’s ability to concentrate in school. Proper education on wearing and packing backpacks is essential to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the body. Encouraging the use of lockers or desks to store heavy books when not needed can also help reduce the load students carry throughout the day.
Health experts emphasize the importance of taking complaints of back pain in students seriously to prevent long-term health implications. Providing education on proper backpack usage and storage can help prevent injuries caused by carrying heavy loads regularly. Parents and schools play a crucial role in ensuring that students’ backpack weight is within safe limits to protect their developing bodies from potential harm.
