School bag: An issue that quite often concerns various stakeholders. From teachers and parents to doctors and physiotherapists who from time to time take a position on this issue publicly. And of course, the subject of discussion is not the designs and colours of a school bag, i.e. what the children who will choose it themselves deal with, but its weight and how important it is to be practical, light and convenient for the child's body that will carry it to and from school every day.
Part of the circular of Primary Education deals with the issue, in view of the start of the new school year, giving relevant instructions and useful information, not only to students and parents but also to the schools themselves, which are called upon to implement a clear policy and practices, in order to mitigate or even resolve the issue of the weight of the school bag.
As noted, the daily carrying of a heavy school bag is likely to cause negative effects on the child's health such as back pain, muscle pain, poor posture, as well as possibly instability in gait, with an increased risk of injury.
Therefore, schools are called upon to implement a clear policy and practices, in order to mitigate or even resolve the issue of the weight of the school bag depending on the specific conditions/environment of each school unit and to dedicate time at regular intervals to remind them of the policy and practices adopted.
The Directorate of Primary Education also makes the following recommendations to schools:
>> Discussion of the issue at a meeting of the teaching staff at the beginning of the school year and taking the necessary measures to deal with it preventively and in a timely manner. Indicatively, the following are noted for faithful implementation by all:
1) It is not advisable to stitch together and incorporate worksheets/handouts within the notebooks, in a way that increases their weight. Under no circumstances should teachers combine children's notebooks to create "larger" notebooks.
It is pointed out that the Ministry of Education deliberately orders short notebooks, so that the children do not carry too much weight. When the sheets of a notebook run out, it can be kept at school or at the child's home and only the notebook that can be used can be carried in his bag.
2) In the preparation of the timetable, where possible, the laboratory courses should be taught in consecutive teaching periods.
3) In subjects where more than one book is used, teachers should clarify to students which books/notebooks are necessary for each day.
d) There should be only one notebook for each lesson, unless it is necessary to use several.
>> Clear instructions from teachers as to what children are expected to carry the next day in the bag. In the school bag there should be only the textbooks and stationery needed for the smooth conduct of the lessons, according to their daily schedule.
Books and stationery that are not needed should be left at school or at home. The use of two or more cases of stationery by several children is also a problem and should be avoided.
>> Informing students at the beginning of the school year about the proper use and transport of the school bag, with specific instructions, by the head of the class, such as:
1) The placement of books in the bag should be done in such a way that the heavier books are close to the back and the lighter ones away from it. Books/notebooks should not be moved in the bag.
2) Avoid carrying the bag with only one hand or one shoulder. Bags that are worn on both shoulders are considered more ergonomic. The straps of the bag should be adjusted so that it fits as well as possible on the back of children. Bags with wheels also provide great convenience for children.
3) Students should not bend over with a bend of the waist when they are loaded, but bend their knees and keep their waist straight, students should not have the bag on their back at times when they are not moving (e.g. in morning in-school gatherings), but should lower it and place it on the ground.
>> Keeping books such as Anthologies, dictionaries, Grammar books, etc. on the shelves of classrooms or workshops. For this purpose, individual cardboard storage boxes can be purchased where children will place the books and notebooks they do not need for their study at home. Also, stationery (stripes, colored pencils, scissors, eraser, etc.) should remain in the classroom to be used at school.
>> Cooperation with parents/guardians to develop correct attitudes regarding the school bag. It should be emphasized that the age and body of the child are decisive factors in choosing the size and type of bag. In addition, it should be understood by the students themselves that the failure to organize the school bag, on a daily basis, is perceived as indifference and/or inability of each student to meet their duties and school obligations. The cooperation and involvement of everyone is expected to preventively deal with the weight of the school bag, the circular characteristically notes.
Practices of other countries
It is recalled that a few months ago, the former MP of the Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Cooperation, Charalambos Theopemptou, with a relevant note, which he also forwarded to the Minister of Education, touched on this serious issue. In fact, Mr. Theopemptou, among other reports, also focused on what is happening in other countries. In particular, he pointed out that at the European level, the practical approach is not only based on the limits of the kilograms of the students' bag, but mainly on organizational and logistical solutions within the school that reduce the need to carry books and notebooks every day.
In France, there is a clear national recommendation that the weight of the bag should not exceed about 10% of body weight. The approach is accompanied by practical "reliefs".
In Italy, the guidelines emphasize weight composition (about 10 – 15% of body weight) and proper ergonomic transport, while at the same time, classroom-school practices (e.g. to transport only the essentials) and solutions by publishers (separation of books into volumes) are promoted.
In Germany, great emphasis is placed on ergonomics and standards for school bags, while in practice it is promoted, where possible, to keep heavy books at school.
In the UK, there are guidelines for a maximum load of up to about 10% of body weight, proper fit of the bag (two straps, close to the body) and practical solutions, such as the use of lockers.
