Heavy school bags, a ticking time bomb for health: Experts

Experts have warned repeatedly that a growing number of children are developing irreversible problems of backache because of the heavy weight of school bags. A lot of school children suffer from back pain and doctors reported a rise in cases of spinal pain among children. Prof Babita Ghai from the Department of Anaesthesia, and Consultant, Pain Clinic, PGIMER, stated this during a press conference to address the issue. 

“School bags way heavier than the recommended 10-15 per cent of the body weight of children are contributing to the surge,” she added. “Presently, most of the students of government and private schools carry bags weighing much more than what they ideally should be carrying according to the guidelines,” lamented Sumita Chaudhary, teacher and parent of a 4-year-old. Health experts are of opinion that children risk long-term hazards and permanent damage if they regularly carry more than 15 per cent of their body weight over their shoulders, he added. 

Doctors term the problem as a ‘healthcare timebomb’ that will lead to years of misery in later life. “If children are suffering from back pain at such tender age than there is high probability that they will have bear it for the next 60 to 70 years, which leads to an enormous physical and emotional cost,” remarked Dr Vishal Kumar, department of orthopedics, PGIMER. “Carrying heavy bags during growth of children’s skeletons can cause lasting damage,” Dr Vishal remarked. He added that many children carry their bags on one shoulder or on the crook of their elbow, which puts a great strain on the spine. 

“Early slip disc, spondylitis, spondylolisthesis, persistent back ache, early degeneration of spine and postural scoliosis are just some of the problems that these children face,” he remarked. Poonam Malhotra, parent of a 6-year-old student, said, “Schools prescribe so many textbooks that bags get so heavy. Add sports equipment, art books, and extra pair of clothes and children are totally overloaded.” Malhotra said her son is suffering from persistent back and neck pain and has been warned by doctors to carry less weight on his shoulders.  

Dr Ravi Gupta, professor, department of orthopedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, added, “Parents and schools are urged to keep an eye on children’s physical activity. A physically fit child who has strong muscles is much less likely to suffer from back and neck problems due to heavy school bags than a child who is involved in no or insignificant physical activity.” Dr Gupta added that there is an urgent need to have specialised physical activity plans for school children within and outside of schools, wherein children below the age of 16 years are made to participate in regular physical activities like running, sports, swimming and cycling. 

Awareness programme

PGIMER is planning to hold awareness programmes so that both, the students and teachers, know  how the school bag weight is actually creating problems like backache, shoulder pain and headache among students, informed the public relation officer of the PGI.

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