Thursday 12 / September / 2024
Muscat: The Ministry of Education has made efforts for integrated growth of Omani students in various educational stages according to solid foundations and principles based on spiritual, mental, physical, social and health aspects.
In continuation of the Ministry’s role in preserving students’ health, it has highlighted the problem of heavy school bags, especially for the age group of students in grades (1-4).
Scientific studies conducted on this subject have indicated that there are a number of health issues resulting from carrying a heavy bag, which may cause deformities of the back and vertebral column, sprains in the back bones, and gait disorders that will increase the risk of falling or being exposed to injuries, as well as mental distraction and aversion to studying. These effects of psychological and academic repercussions may continue for life.
The quality of the materials used to make school bag is one of the reasons for this problem.
It is clear from the local market that there are school bags made of heavy and uncomfortable materials that do not meet health specifications, which may increase the weight of the bag on the student, especially when filled with books, and other materials.
The authorities concerned with student health have determined the specifications of a bag that is safe for students, so that it must be made of comfortable and safe materials, be lightweight when empty, in addition to its weight not exceeding (10%) of the student’s weight in classes after being equipped with educational materials.
The school bag must also contain wide shoulder straps lined with a soft material so it does not put pressure on students’ shoulders, and it must be adjustable so that the straps can be tightened to fit student’s size.
It must also have multiple pockets to help distribute the weight, must cover the upper back to the end of the ribs, and not exceed the waist to avoid great pressure on students’ muscles, back and shoulder,
and its width must not exceed the back of the student.
In order to reduce the weight of the school bag for students in grades (1-4),
the Ministry has determined some practical procedures in order to address some common practices in terms of the number of notebooks required in these grades.
It issued a circular in which it specified only two notebooks of the (80)-sheet type, one for the first field subjects and the other for the second field subjects.
It also prohibited the use of any booklets or external binders and to stick with the books issued by the Ministry.
The Ministry also provided lockers to store students’ books instead of carrying them home every day, so that coordination can be made between subject teachers regarding homework, in addition to directing students and parents to benefit from the electronic books listed on the educational portal website and emphasising the need for follow-up by specialists in the various educational directorates in the governorates.
To maintain the health of students, efforts must be combined between parents and the schools’ educational bodies, as well as the educational directorates in the governorates.
The role of the parents comes in choosing the appropriate school bag for their children and following up on the use of the school schedule, so that the student is not burdened by carrying all the books and tools, as well as communicating with the school administration in the event of a challenge regarding the school bag.
The school administration should play a major role in following up on this matter through employing the role of parents' councils; to provide awareness programmes for parents and students, and employing all administrative procedures that ensure students' knowledge of the school schedule, and setting a schedule for homework, and employing lockers for the designated purposes, and communicating with the parents to discuss any challenges that may confront students from carrying an ideal and safe bag.
One of the things that must be focused on is educating students about the correct methods and ways to deal with a school bag with appropriate specifications to reduce its weight: such as organising and arranging the contents of the bag by adhering to the school schedule, arranging the textbooks correctly, so that the heaviest is towards the back and the lightest on the front, and distributing the contents in all the pockets of the bag to distribute the weight.
Students should also carry the bag in the correct way on both shoulders and not limit it to one shoulder and adjust the bag straps so that its end is on the student's waist and does not hang over the pelvis.
They are also advised to place it on the ground when waiting for the bus, and on the ground, or in the class before the morning assembly.
Students should also carry the lunch bag separately, not inside the school bag.
The Ministry of Education stresses the necessity of cooperation on the matter, as it has an impact on preserving the health of its students.
