A study by ASSOCHAM has revealed most students carry schoolbags weighing more than 45% of their body weight, leaving them exposed to slip disc, spondylitis, persistent backache, degeneration of spine and postural scoliosis
As many as 68 per cent students under the age of 13 face the risk of suffering from back aches and other back-related health issues, found a study by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).The culprit being the heavy schoolbag that most students are forced to lug around daily. Most students carry bags that weigh 45 per cent of their body weight, stated the study. According to the Children’s Schoolbag Act 2006, a schoolbag should not weigh more than 10 per cent of a child’s weight.
The survey was conducted in 10 cities, including Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur and Dehradun, where more than 2,500 students and 1,000 parents were interviewed. Hemang Doshi, whose son studies in Class 4 said heavy schoolbags were becoming a serious concern for most parents. “We can’t ask our children not to carry books to school because then they will get punished. But it pains me a great deal to see my child carrying such a heavy bag. I drop my son to the school, so I carry his bag to the gate and he just has to take it into the classroom. But a solution has to be found regarding this problem which is of serious magnitude.“ Another parent Sushma Mehta Shah said her daughter comes home from school, often complaining of backache. “The issue of heavy schoolbags is debated at the start of every academic year but no concrete steps are taken. Despite laws, students are forced to carry heavy bags which is disturbing. Teachers can easily reduce their burden by specifying which books are needed. Yet, such a simple thing is not done.“
The study states that carrying heavy schoolbags for a long period can cause serious spinal damage and chronic back problems. “Several students already complain of mild backpain and if not addressed immediately, it can develop into much serious ailments,“ the study states.
Meanwhile, gauging the seriousness of situation, some schools in the city have taken preventive measures. Mrugen Shah, vice principal of Prakash Higher Secondary School, said, “While creating daily timetable, we try to hold two lectures of the same subject a period for arts sports. So, students have to carry books of only six subjects. We also conduct surprise checks to discourage students from carrying additional burden.“
Vandana Joshi, senior vice principal of Delhi Public School said that the school has introduced a My Bag column that guides children to carry books accordingly. “We have locked drawers for students to store class work books. We have also started a system where they can share a book,“ she said.
Source – Ahmedabad Mirror – 4th September 2016
