Health experts have consistently raised red flags about the physical strain of heavy school bags on children, leading to back, neck, and posture-related problems

As the new academic year 2025-26 starts across the country, a familiar sight returns — schoolchildren bent under the weight of heavy backpacks, trudging their way to school. Studies have found that most children carry school bags weighing more than 15 percent of their body weight. Despite guidelines issued by several states to reduce bag weight — including limiting textbooks, encouraging digital learning, and introducing locker facilities — implementation is patchy and uneven in schools countrywide.

Health experts have consistently raised red flags about the physical strain of heavy school bags on children, leading to back, neck, and posture-related problems. Children experiencing rapid physical growth and neurological development are highly vulnerable. Dr. Tarun Singh, paediatrician-consultant at Kalpavriksh Healthcare, Medeor Hospital and Max Hospital, Gurugram, spoke to PW’s Kiran Balimane about the adverse effects of heavy bags upon children’s physical well-being and health.

“A heavy school bag exerts disproportionate stress on children’s spine, muscles, joints and impairs orderly physical development. A recent study published in Pediatrics & Education Review found that over 60 percent of children under six experience mild to severe back pain linked to heavy school bags. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting bag weight to avoid long-term spinal health issues.

Spinal damage and poor posture. Carrying heavy loads compresses the soft, developing vertebrae of children, leading to spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis. Moreover the physical strain forces children to adopt unnatural postures such as leaning forward, tilting to one side, or arching their back — all of which disrupt healthy musculoskeletal development.

Muscle and joint strain. Prolonged use of heavy backpacks leads to muscular discomfort, stiffness, and chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Excessive strain on growing joints compromises mobility and causes repetitive stress injuries.

Impaired physical growth. Constant pressure on the back and shoulders interferes with natural growth patterns, creating potential long-term deformities.

 

Cognitive and psychological impact

Fatigue. The physical effort expended to carry heavy school bags depletes children’s energy levels. In particular, it may cause preschoolers to become less attentive and active in school.

School aversion. Children may subconsciously associate the discomfort of carrying heavy bags with schooling. This may lead to reluctance or fear of attending school, impacting long-term educational motivation.

Anxiety. Feeling burdened by physically challenging tasks at an early age can create unnecessary stress and anxiety in children, especially if they need to walk or cycle long distances with heavy bags.

Several factors exacerbate the problem of heavy school bags. They include:

Improper bag design. Bags without padded straps, ergonomic pockets, or compartments that balance weight distribution increase stress on the body.

Improper carriage. Wearing backpacks incorrectly (e.g., on one shoulder) amplifies uneven weight distribution and strain.

Overpacking. Packing unnecessary items adds undue weight to the load.

Lack of alternatives: Limited locker facilities in schools force children to bring books/ education supplies daily.

 

Ameliorative measures

• Choose ergonomically designed school bags featuring padded straps, waist belts, and multiple compartments to distribute weight evenly.
• Ensure that the bag’s loaded weight doesn’t exceed 10-15 percent of a child’s body weight. Encourage removal of non-essential items daily.
• Raise awareness within parents and educators about packing appropriately, choosing appropriate bags, and monitoring children’s posture regularly.
• Schools must take the lead in providing lockers, designated spaces, or digital resources to minimize the need for children to carry heavy school bags.
• Encourage light exercises that strengthen children’s core, back, and shoulder muscles.
• Promote the use of trolleys or wheeled bags. These too should be ergonomic and lightweight.

Concerted efforts need to be made by parents, teachers, and school authorities to prioritize the well-being of young learners. By adopting ameliorative measures, we can safeguard children’s health and ensure they associate school with joy and growth rather than pain and discomfort.

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