As the new school year approaches, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Oman has issued a critical warning regarding the health risks posed by heavy school bags, urging parents, students, and educational institutions to take immediate action to mitigate these dangers.
Health Concerns Highlighted by Experts
Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ali al Subhi, a Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at MoH, underscored the serious consequences that carrying heavy school bags can have on students’ physical, psychological, and academic well-being. Dr. Subhi emphasized that this issue is more than just a physical burden; it can also lead to increased fatigue, reduced concentration, and elevated anxiety and stress levels among students. Citing global studies, he pointed out that the problem is widespread, with evidence from countries like Malta and Uganda showing that a significant percentage of students carry bags exceeding the recommended weight limit of 10-15% of their body weight. The consequences, as observed in these studies, include back pain, musculoskeletal problems, and even long-term spinal deformities.
International Solutions and Local Initiatives
Recognizing the severity of the issue, several countries have already implemented successful measures to address the problem. Inspired by these international experiences, Oman’s Ministry of Education (MoE) has introduced a series of proactive steps aimed at reducing the burden on young students, particularly those in Grades 1 to 4.
One of the key measures includes restricting students to only two notebooks, each containing 80 sheets, for their main subjects. The directive also bans the use of additional booklets or external binders, urging students to use only the books provided by the ministry. Furthermore, to lessen the daily load, lockers have been installed in schools, allowing students to store their books instead of carrying them back and forth between home and school.
Recommendations for Students and Parents
Mazen bin Masoud al Arfi, Head of the Medical Rehabilitation Services Department at Khoula Hospital, advised parents and students to choose school bags that are lightweight and properly designed to distribute weight evenly. He recommended that the total weight of the school bag should not exceed 15% of the student’s body weight and that the bag should be no larger than the student’s back. Additionally, using both shoulder straps can help in evenly distributing the load.
Future Prospects
The MoE is also exploring the potential of digital solutions by promoting the use of electronic books available through the educational portal. This move could significantly reduce the weight of school bags in the future. Teachers have been encouraged to coordinate their homework assignments to ensure that students are not required to carry unnecessary items, further supporting the ministry’s efforts to create a healthier and more conducive learning environment.
As the school year begins, these initiatives mark a significant step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of students across Oman, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of balancing educational demands with the physical and psychological needs of young learners.
