Heavy Schoolbags: Let’s Help Our Children Regarding This Issue

Heavy schoolbag issue is at its alarming rate. These past few days, various news reports by the media highlighted the same issue which seems to be far from over as students are still carrying heavy schoolbags that don’t fit the structure of their bodies. What could be the reason? Is it because the teachers and students need to rely heavily on text books that are rarely used? Is it because there are many subjects in school to be covered in one day? Or is it because the number of syllabus is as ‘heavy’ as their bags?

Whatever the contributing factor to this issue is, someone has to take charge and put a stop to it. Excessive weight of a school bag can lead to deleterious effects on a child. It can easily affect a child’s back and spine that it may have long term effects. An issue like this can threaten a child’s health in the long run. Don’t believe us? A Facebook post shared recently by Mohd Fadli Salleh revealed that the number of scoliosis cases among school children is rapidly increasing. 

It seems that the complaints, suggestions and recommendations are not being heard. Why is it so difficult for someone to step up and do something to solve this issue? Parents and teachers should come hand-in-hand to take strict actions, get the Education Ministry to immediately resolve this issue. Those from the Education Ministry must resolve this issue at once, so that the school where the children go to study can truly be called a safe learning place with no burdens nor ‘stress’. We are all destined to play certain roles in helping our children, but the Education Ministry plays a much bigger role in lifting these burdens from their shoulders.

According to a news report published by The Star, parents and teachers are calling on the Education Ministry to lessen their children’s burden of heavy textbooks by bringing books according to the timetable and they should also leave books that will be used in their desks at school. Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin has pledged to tackle the issue of heavy schoolbags with the new academic year starting next month instead of in January. He also added that the ministry could not simply instruct schools to cut back on subjects.

We previously shared some suggestions on how to tackle this issue including to leave heavy textbooks in the classroom. Other suggestions include for the school management to create a locker system which is doable and much more reasonable compared to switching from regular textbooks to e-books as reported by some media. It may work in private schools or online learning in colleges and universities to fully utilise advanced technology but most children just can’t afford it. Also, think about the amount of cable charges required in one classroom if we were to adapt online learning or e-books through gadgets such as tabs and phones. This is not an ‘affordable’ idea to be considered for some students as it can be costly and a waste of electricity, too.

Now that the school holidays are just around the corner, before another academic session begins, let’s take a step back and think this through. A heavily packed schoolbag isn’t going to make anyone smarter. This issue has to be fully recognised and resolved soon. Otherwise as parents and educators, it is highly likely that we have failed—to resolve this issue and provide a better learning experience for our children as this matter is nothing ‘new’ in Malaysia. Our children depend on us to ensure their futures remain bright. Thus, let’s not disappoint them.

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