Carrying heavy school bags is a major concern for many parents—and with good reason. Overly heavy bags can cause back pain, poor posture, and even musculoskeletal problems.
Fortunately, there are simple solutions to reduce your child’s school bag load and ensure comfort. Here are some expert-recommended tips:
Essential Recommendations to Lighten the School Bag
Choose a Comfortable Backpack
Opt for a school bag with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel to provide comfort and distribute weight evenly.
For children who walk long distances or carry many books, a wheeled school bag may be the best option—it’s like pulling a small suitcase at the airport.
Limit the Bag’s Weight
Health experts recommend that a child’s school bag should not exceed 10% of their body weight.
For example: if your child weighs 30 kg, their bag should weigh no more than 3 kg.
Teachers and schools can also help by:
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Combining textbooks and activity books.
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Distributing subjects across the week instead of piling them into one day.
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Encouraging the use of a single notebook and folder for early grades.
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Raising awareness among parents and students about the ideal bag weight.
Organize School Supplies
Place heavier and larger items (books, binders) at the back, close to the child’s spine, and lighter items at the front.
Encourage your child to use organizer pockets, and whenever possible, schools should provide lockers to reduce daily load.
Remind your child to leave unneeded items at home—like sports shoes or extra stationery.
Declutter Regularly
At the end of each week, go through your child’s bag and remove unnecessary items (broken pens, old assignments, toys, etc.).
This quick 30-second habit significantly reduces unnecessary weight.
Consider Digital Textbooks
Digital learning resources are increasingly popular and can revolutionize the school experience. Tablets or e-readers like Kindle can replace heavy stacks of books, making learning more accessible and reducing wear and tear on printed textbooks.
Two Stories About School Bags
1. My New School Bag
A 15-year-old girl had just moved to a new city where her school was far from home. Her old school bag was worn out, and she wished for a new one. Her mother noticed and gifted her one, which she filled with excitement.
The next day, on the bus, she realized she had forgotten to transfer her money from the old bag. Embarrassed and panicking, she got off at the next stop. Stranded without friends, phone, or shops nearby, she spotted a large old plastic bag. She transferred her belongings into it and offered her new school bag as payment to a taxi driver. Surprised, he refused to take it and agreed to drive her home, asking for payment later if their paths crossed again.
When she finally reached home, exhausted and thirsty, she realized she had also forgotten her house keys in the old bag. She could only smile and wait for her mother at the door.
2. Look Twice Before Picking Up Your Bag
Ahmed, a sixth grader, often left school with his friends. One day, after playing outside the gate, he quickly grabbed a bag he thought was his and went home with his older brother.
Later, he discovered it wasn’t his bag at all—it belonged to his friend, who had mistakenly taken another classmate’s bag. Panic set in. His parents scolded him for not paying attention. After a restless night, he asked the school janitor the next morning if he had seen a lost bag. The janitor handed it back to him with a smile.
Relieved, Ahmed laughed about it later and reflected: “Think before you jump—and always look carefully before picking up your belongings.”
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