As students in Guwahati carry their heavy school bags to class, many are silently suffering from the strain on their necks and backs. Despite regulations aimed at reducing the burden, the issue persists, with students complaining of severe muscle strain, changes in bone structure, and even muscle fractures.
Amit Gupta, a Class 6 student, shares his tale of woe, “I carry a 7-kilogram bag, packed with 6-8 books, 12 notebooks, a tiffin box, water bottle, and other essentials. Carrying it up three flights of stairs to my third-floor classroom is exhausting.” His classmates, like Rita from Class 7, confirm the struggles, “We complain to our authorities, but our concerns are often ignored. It’s tough to carry everything, especially with today’s rigorous studies.”
The problem is not new, as the central government’s 2020 policy suggests that school bags should not exceed 10% of a student’s body weight. According to the guidelines, Classes 1-2 should weigh under 2.2 kg, Classes 4-6 less than 3 kg, Class 8 not more than 4.5 kg, and Classes 11-12 a maximum 5 kg. However, many students, particularly in Classes 5-7, still carry 7-8 kg, while those in Classes 11-12 haul 10 kg or more.
Medical professionals warn of the severe consequences, with Dr. [Name], a senior orthopedic consultant at Apollo Hospitals, stating, “We see 2-3 cases every week of students aged 12-16 suffering from neck sprain or back pain. The continuous pressure leads to spinal distortion, muscle injuries, and even increases the risk of spondylitis.” Another expert agrees, “The human body has a limit to how much weight it can bear. Prolonged exposure to heavy loads can cause muscle fractures and permanent bone issues.”
School administrators face space constraints and concerns about misplacing notebooks, leading to a lack of storage solutions. While junior classes implement these measures, senior students still bring everything home. A school principal notes, “We try to implement storage solutions, but space constraints and the risk of misplacement limit our options. We suggest parents choose lightweight bags and avoid unnecessary items.” A teacher adds, “We advise students to keep their belongings at school, but they also need them for studies and homework, making it a problem.”
As the number of cases related to spinal disorders, muscle pain, and posture issues among schoolchildren grows, the need for strict implementation of school bag weight policies becomes urgent. Schools and parents must collaborate to reduce this burden and safeguard students’ health, prioritizing their well-being over unnecessary weight.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/guwahati/heavy-school-bags-still-a-light-issue-in-guwahati-concerns-of-health-issues-among-students
Category : Guwahati
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Publish Date: 2025-03-14 14:36:00
