UAE parents worry about heavy school bags
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Doctors caution that heavy school bags may lead to emotional and mental impacts on children.
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A lot of parents are concerned about the heavy backpacks their children are carrying.
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Schools are being requested to permit students to reduce the number of books they need to carry.
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Students often have to travel long distances on schools' large campuses.
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Students encounter challenges when carrying heavy bags while using stairs.
In the meantime, medical professionals have also raised concerns about potential threats to children's physical health and overall well-being from carrying bags that are too heavy. They asserted that this impacts not just their academic achievement but also their overall growth.
Doctors have also advised that a child's backpack should not exceed 20 percent of their body weight.
Amna Al Hammadi, a mother from the UAE, discussed her son's challenges in a social media group for parents. Lifting my 8-year-old son's bag made me feel devastated; it's hard to see him carry such a heavy load every day. She mentioned that although there is a elevator available in the school, only students with medical conditions are allowed to use it.
Amna also explained witnessing children having difficulty carrying their trolley bags up the stairs, stating, "It's tough because they can't just slide them up."
Muna Mohammed, also a parent, talked about her 9-year-old daughter's challenges as well. My daughter struggles with carrying her bag up the stairs. She returned home last week, expressing discomfort in her hands and legs. Children who are petite should not have to bear the burden of such substantial weight, as it is leading to discomfort for them.
Ahmed stated that adding books in folders and lunch boxes increases the burden on backpacks. She mentioned that the bus stop was near the classrooms last year, but now her daughter claims it is far, requiring a long walk with heavy bags that leave her exhausted. I'm confused about why we can't store the books at school to make them easier to carry.
Doctors discussed the effects of heavy backpacks on the health of children.
Carrying heavy bags may lead to neck and back pain, according to Dr Mamata Bothra, a pediatrician and neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai. The child is pulled back by the weight, causing them to lean forward at the waist and curve their back to stay balanced. Frequently, this contorted position can result in discomfort in the neck, back, and shoulders.
Dr Bothra also highlighted that holding a bag over one shoulder can put stress on the arm, and narrow straps can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands. She cautioned that if left unaddressed, these problems could result in posture issues in the long run.
Dr Sherif Mohamed Mosaad Kamel, a pediatrician and neonatologist consultant at Zulekha Hospital Dubai, emphasized the psychological impacts of heavy bags on children.
Carrying a heavy bag frequently results in annoyance and tension due to the physical strain involved. Kids might start linking school with unpleasant feelings, which can lower their motivation to learn. He mentioned that this could affect their academic performance and emotional well-being over time.
Dr Kamel recommended that both parents and schools be proactive. He suggested parents opt for bags that are ergonomically designed with cushioned straps and compartments to evenly spread the weight. He additionally recommended that schools offer lockers in order to decrease the quantity of books students have to transport.
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