Muscat – MOH’s Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ali al Subhi has drawn attention to the significant, yet often underestimated, dangers of overloaded school bags. He emphasized that the weight of these bags can have repercussions beyond physical discomfort, potentially affecting students’ psychological well-being and academic performance.
Studies have found that heavy school bags can also lead to emotional stress, and a negative attitude towards education, all of which can significantly affect a child’s overall well-being and learning experience.

Dr. Subhi also pointed out that the strain from heavy bags can lead to increased fatigue, reduced concentration, and heightened stress and anxiety levels. Several countries have successfully implemented solutions to address this problem, demonstrating that effective measures can be taken to create a safer learning environment.

According to Mazen bin Masoud al Arfi, Head of the Medical Rehabilitation Services Department at Khoula Hospital, it is very important to select the right school bag. He recommends that bags be lightweight, with both shoulder straps used to distribute weight evenly. He advises that the total weight of the bag should not exceed 15 percent of the student’s body weight, and that the bag should fit the student’s back properly and provide adequate support.

In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Education has taken steps to alleviate the problem, especially for younger students in Grades 1 to 4. Recent guidelines limit students in these grades to using only two notebooks of 80 sheets each, one for each main subject. Additional booklets and external binders are prohibited, and students must use only the books provided by the ministry. Lockers have been introduced in schools to allow students to leave their books at school rather than carrying them daily. The MoE is also encouraging the use of electronic books available on the educational portal to further reduce the physical load. Teachers have been instructed to coordinate homework assignments to avoid unnecessary weight.

For parents, the Ministry of Health recommends promoting safe practices for children traveling on school buses. This includes waiting in a safe place away from the street, boarding and disembarking only after the bus has come to a complete stop, avoiding distractions, and not crossing the street until the bus has left and the road is clear of traffic.