Trolley bags versus backpacks: What’s best for Dubai school kids?

It’s common to spot students in the UAE lugging their heavy school bags, with many hunching over due to the weight of their bags. Some bags, in fact, appear as big, if not bigger than the child itself.

Although many students have made the switch to trolley bags, there are still many who are weighed down by their backpacks.

In fact, most Dubai schools let children choose the bags they take to school, but there remain a handful that restrict the use of trolley bags citing health hazards.

Both schools of thought have a point. While the backpacks have a different, and lasting impact on the child’s spine and shoulders, the trolley bags, if not maneuvered correctly, could harm others or the child himself.

It’s catch22.

Experts say children who end up carrying bags that weigh over 15 per cent of their body weight will damage their body.

Taking a cue from this principle, some schools in Dubai set up guidelines, suggesting that ‘a schoolbag should weigh no more than 10 per cent of the child’s body weight and should be worn over both shoulders so the weight is distributed evenly’.

So, for a child weighing 40-50kg, that’s around 4-5kgs. Parents claim it isn’t always possible to weigh how much they pack in, what with students signing up for extra classes and sporting camps, their PE kits often add up to over 10 per cent.

“My son’s sporting gear would itself weigh a few kilos, and then there are books, assignments and lunch boxes. It just doesn’t balance out,” explained Sheila Nair, parent of an 11-year-old.

Even though the trolley bags appear easier to manage, they come with their risks. “Heavy trolley bags are causing children to twist their backs for extended periods with their shoulder and arm stretched behind them just to manage the trolley bags,” a school issued in a statement.

“This potentially causes serious skeletal and shoulder problems.”

Children could also use the bags to hurt others, intentionally or otherwise.

In a statement to ‘Emirates24|7’, Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said, “Students are not compelled to choose a specific type of bag. Schools must engage with the parents to select a bag which is suitable for the child’s age group and safe for them to carry.”

“Safety of the children is our primary concern and we are confident that private schools in Dubai also put children’s safety first.”

In fact, some educationists and parents believe the solution lies in the complete ban on bags – backpacks and trolleys. They suggest children can use school lockers to store their books, and take home only the basic home work required daily.

Another suggestion is to eliminate paper and use tablets instead.

“Children should be given tablets, and school work should be online. That’s the future and we must equip the young kids for that. And, it won’t stress their backs,” said Suad Alhalwachi, an educationist working as director of Education Zone company.