Doctor highlights heavy schoolbags affecting children

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Growing numbers of children are developing irreversible back deformities because of the weight of the bags they carry to school, Medical expert on Saturday said.

In an interview with private news channel, Dr Noman Nasir said overloaded school bags that were up to double the size of those carried ten years ago were contributing to the surge.

He said deputy Medical Superintendent of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi had raised a serious issue “affecting the growth of children”.

Dr further said he had started a campaign highlighting the hazards of lifting heavy schoolbags an important issue which was seldom raised.

In a bid to “educate schools to reduce the weight of baggage carried by students,” Dr Nisar, said, adding ,he had also written letters to the Sindh secretary education and principals of all schools in Karachi.

“Being a doctor I want to point out a very sensitive and important issue regarding lifting of overweight (school bags) by majority of students.” The deputy medical superintendent of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital noted the health issues caused by heavy schoolbags.

“I observed in my routine practice that most of the children came to me complaining of stiff neck, shoulder pain and backache which may lead to server lumbago,” he said.

“30% to 35% of growing children between the ages of five to 13 are suffering from severe backaches due to heavy lifting,” he told .

Dr requesting that measures be taken to decrease baggage weight of students.

“I request you to take serious concern on this issue and take all possible measures and manage a system so that children have to carry only specific books needed as per daily time table,” he added.

The duputy medical superintendent suggested that weight of school bags could be reduced by assigning less homework, arranging lockers and ensuring that children leave behind heavy books in the school.

He also hoped measures would be taken from government in this regards.