
The burden of school bags on Indian school children has been a topic of concern and debate for many years. The weight of the bags that students carry on a daily basis has been found to have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health. Let us explore this issue in detail.
According to a survey conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), nearly 88% of school-going children in India carry more than the recommended weight of their school bags. The survey also found that the weight of a school bag can be as much as 40% of a child’s body weight, which is far higher than the recommended limit of 10% of a child’s body weight.
The excessive weight of school bags can lead to several health problems, such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and even headaches. These health issues can have a long-term impact on a child’s physical development and overall wellbeing. The weight of the bags can also cause fatigue and tiredness, which can affect a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well in school.
In response to this issue, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India has issued guidelines to schools to ensure that the weight of school bags is kept within reasonable limits. The guidelines recommend that the weight of the bags should not exceed 10% of a child’s body weight in primary classes, and 15% in higher classes.
However, the implementation of these guidelines has been slow, and many schools continue to ignore them. The lack of lockers and storage facilities in schools is also a contributing factor to the problem. Students are often forced to carry all their books and other study materials in their bags, as there is no other place to store them.
To address this issue, several measures can be taken. Schools can provide lockers and storage facilities for students, which would enable them to carry only the required books and study materials. Schools can also adopt digital learning methods, such as e-books and online resources, which would reduce the need for students to carry heavy books.
Parents can also play a role in reducing the burden of school bags. They can ensure that their children carry only the required books and study materials, and encourage them to use digital learning resources. Parents can also advocate for the implementation of guidelines on the weight of school bags, and work with schools to ensure that they are followed.
The burden of school bags on Indian school children is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The weight of the bags can have detrimental effects on a child’s physical and mental health, and can impact their academic performance. It is the responsibility of schools, parents, and policymakers to take measures to reduce the weight of school bags and ensure the overall wellbeing of school children.
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Note: Above views are purely written based on my own individual experience through various industries & based on that above points have been came out. Also gone through various books & Reference sites before conclude. Hence before implementing, pls. review & decide whether it suits/align to your requirements or not.