Long school commutes can take a toll on the health and well-being of schoolchildren, as highlighted by the experiences of Naya Osama and Aiza, two students in the UAE who travel long distances to and from school daily. Naya, a nine-year-old Grade 4 student, spends nearly two hours commuting to school for a distance of 5.6km, while Aiza, a Year 8 student, travels up to three hours for a 15km journey. Despite the convenience of school buses, parents have expressed concerns about the prolonged commute times and the health impacts on their children.
Naya’s mother, Rehab Abdullah, expressed her concerns about the long bus ride her daughter has to endure. She mentioned that Naya often falls asleep on the bus, arriving home exhausted with little time to eat before completing her homework and going to bed. The lack of access to a washroom during the commute is also a major concern for parents, who worry about potential health issues arising from prolonged sitting and restricted bathroom breaks.
Similarly, Aiza’s mother, Nighat Waheed, shared her daughter’s struggles with the long school commute, which often leads to fatigue and lack of concentration. Despite the challenges, parents like Nighat continue to rely on school buses as the safest option for their children’s transportation to and from school. However, the lack of flexibility in transportation options, such as the requirement for both pick-up and drop-off services, can make it challenging for families to find alternative solutions.
Medical experts have also raised concerns about the health impacts of long school commutes on children. Dr. Sharafeldin Ibrahim, a Specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, highlighted the physical discomfort, fatigue, and poor posture that can result from prolonged sitting on buses. Additionally, the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) increases when children hold their bladders for extended periods during bus rides, leading to potential health complications.
To mitigate the risks associated with long school commutes, Dr. Ignatiius Edwin D’souza, a consultant paediatrician, emphasized the importance of encouraging children to eat light meals before traveling and to use the restroom before boarding the bus. These simple measures can help reduce the risk of urinary discomfort, constipation, and motion sickness, ensuring that children are more comfortable throughout and after their commute. By addressing these health concerns and advocating for safer and more efficient transportation options, parents and medical professionals can work together to support the well-being of schoolchildren during their daily commutes.
