Heavy School Bags Research Articles

The difference of the influence of the weight of school supplies on body posture features in carrying on the right or left shoulder by 7-year-old students of both sexes

Introduction. Periodically, at the turn of August and September the problem of overloading children with too heavy schoolbags rises and it may initiate various disorders not only around the spine area. Material, method. The research on body posture was carried out in a group of 65 7-year-old students by Projection Moiré in 8 positions. First position – habitual position, second – after 10 min. of asymmetric loading on the left or right shoulder, third – after 1 min. of the load removal, and fourth – after 2 min. of the load removal. Results. There were analyses of significance of the differences between 1st and 2nd, 1st and 3rd, 1st and 4th, 2nd and 3rd, and 3rd and 4th measurement to determine the influence of loading and correlation of the differences with physical activity. It was also measured, which way of carrying disturbs the body posture less. Conclusions. 1. A four-kilograms load of school supplies carried on the left or right shoulder disturbs significantly and negatively biomechanical body statics of a 7-year-old child, which may cause errors in long term perspective and consequently body posture disorders. Relatedly, this way of carrying school supplies is not recommended to first graders. 2. Physical fitness has more significant meaning in biomechanical body statics disorders in frontal plane than in sagittal and transversal plane, relatedly among boys than girls. Endurance and strength show the most common correlations with changes of values of body posture features. In sagittal and transversal plane speed and strength have the greatest meaning but in frontal plane it is endurance and strength. 3. Restitution of none of the analyzed values of body posture features was not complete after 1 and 2 min. when carrying on the left or right shoulder was terminated, which means low overall fitness and immature corrective-compensatory processes.

Impact of Educational Intervention in Reducing the Weight of School Bags in Selected School Children.

To assess the effectiveness of educational intervention to reduce the weight of school bags. The study design was one group pre- and posttest experimental Research design. Government Senior Secondary School Dhanas, Chandigarh, and Shri Guru Harkrishan Model Senior Secondary School Sector-38D, Chandigarh (A private school) between July and November 2018. Names of the schools can be avoided. Total 760 students from selected sections nursery to 10th class of school were enrolled in the study. At baseline and end line weight of children, school bags and its content were weighed using weighing scale. Length of bag strap, breath of bag, torso of children, and their shoulders size were measured by measuring tape. Bag carrying style, posture, etc., were observed by observation checklist. Interviewed children (5th to 10th class) were using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire for musculoskeletal system assessment. Educational intervention was provided to the children for one month to reduce weight of school bag by teaching in assembly and displaying the charts in school. (Use of softbound thin textbooks, breaking thin books in 2-3 thin softbound books, use lightweight bag, pencil box, lunch box, and water bottles. Pack bag as per timetable.). The result revealed that heavy school bags were carrying 69.7% children from government school and 80.2% from private school. Children carrying heavy bags reported musculoskeletal problems 5 times higher than their counterparts. After intervention, there was significant reduction in the weight of school bags (P < 0.001 as per paired t-test). Provide the weight of the bags before and after intervention in addition to the P value. Children carrying heavy bags were suffering from musculoskeletal problems. Intervention helped in reducing the weight of school bag.

Academic-related factors and daily lifestyle habits associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case-control study

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent spinal deformity, which may have long-term negative consequences on adolescents. The research on the etiology is of great importance for identifying high-risk population and formulate tailored prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the association between academic-related factors and daily lifestyle habits and AIS. In this population-based case-control study, 491 AIS cases and 1,346 healthy controls that frequency-matched by age and sex were recruited in Shenzhen, Southern China. AIS was diagnosed as a Cobb angle ≥ 10° on standing posteroanterior radiographs of the whole spine. The academic-related factors (e.g., reading and writing posture) and daily lifestyle habits (e.g., intake of milk and dairy products) were collected by a self-reported questionnaire. The logistic regression analysis was performed. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated that academic-related factors were associated with AIS. Individuals with poor reading and writing posture were more likely to have AIS (AOR: 2.06, 95%CI: 1.58-2.68). Moreover, there was a significant association between heavy school bags and AIS (AOR: 2.22, 95%CI: 1.50-3.31). Additionally, adolescents who reported daily screen time on weekdays over 2 hours were more likely to develop AIS (P < 0.001). Regarding daily lifestyle habits, individuals without the habit of taking milk and dairy products had a higher risk of developing AIS (AOR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.29-2.71). Academic-related factors and daily lifestyle habits were associated with AIS among Chinese adolescents. Schools, families, and related facilities are recommended to take actions on developing effective prevention and management strategies that integrates "Student-Family-School-Education-Health-Sports" for AIS.

IMPACT OF HEAVY SCHOOL BAGS ON PHYSICAL HEALTH OF SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN: A CASE STUDY OF PRIMARY LEVEL SCHOOLS OF DISTRICT LASBELA, PAKISTAN

Growing global attention has centered on the role of school bags in the creation of low back pain in school going children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to find out the association of heavy school bags and incidence of physical pain in children in private schools of primary level students in district Lasbela, Pakistan. The study data was collected from the 120 students and 20 teachers through interviews and distributing questionnaires. The study employed frequency distribution, data visualization, descriptive statistics, chi-square test and ANOVA. It is found that there is a significant association between heavy school bags and occurrence of physical pain (such as neck, shoulders, back pain). The results also confirmed that the mode of carrying school bags and occurrence of physical pain are independent. The study also has found that there is significance association between mode of transportation to school and with the occurrence of physical pain in children. This study recommends that the policy makers need adopt policies that can resolve the heavy school bags contributing aspects to cause back pain. The policy makers such as educationists and health individuals must adopt policies to report and resolve this problem as the heavy school bags are also contributing aspects to cause musculoskeletal pain and physical pain that is major burden towards kid’s physical as well as mental growth.

(2021) Volume 2, Issue 4 Cultural Implications of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC Authors: Dr. Unsa Jamshed Amar Jahangir Anbrin Khawaja Abstract: This study is an attempt to highlight the cultural implication of CPEC on Pak-China relations, how it will align two nations culturally, and what steps were taken by the governments of two states to bring the people closer.

(2021) Volume 2, Issue 4 Cultural Implications of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC Authors: Dr. Unsa Jamshed Amar Jahangir Anbrin Khawaja Abstract: This study is an attempt to highlight the cultural implication of CPEC on Pak-China relations, how it will align two nations culturally, and what steps were taken by the governments of two states to bring the people closer.

Effects of Heavy School Bags on Students’ Health at Primary Level in District Haveli (Kahutta) Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Effects of Heavy School Bags on Students’ Health at Primary Level in District Haveli (Kahutta) Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Correlation between Heavy School Bags and Upper Limb Disabilities among School Going Children

Aim: To find out correlation between heavy school bags and upper limb disabilities among school going children. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey, using non-probability convenience sampling, was conducted on 396 students of 11 to 15 years after ethical approval in 6 months. Height (in cm) and weight (in Kg) were noted and BMI was calculated. Students with the normal BMI were included in the study. Weigh of the students were recorded with their shoes off while the weight of the bags was calculated with all the stationary included. Quick DASH scale score was calculated and correlated with the weight of the bag by applying Chi-Square test. Results: The mean age of the participants was13.49±1.12 years. The mean weight of the school bag was 6.10±2.1Kgs while the students were carrying more than one-quarter of their body weight. The disability calculated from the quick DASH scale was as high as 40%. Chi-square showed a significant correlation between the upper limb disabilities and the weight of the bag. Conclusion: The study showed that there is a significant correlation that the use of heavy school bags can cause upper limb disabilities in children. Keywords: Heavy School Bags, Upper Limb Disabilities, Children, Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand

Association of Heavy School Bags with Musculoskeletal Discomfort among Primary School Children of Islamabad, Pakistan

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders, an increasing concern among school going children, primarily affect muscles and tendons. They lead to secondary damage to nerves and joints in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and hands, etc. The objective of this study was to determine the association of carrying heavy school bags with musculoskeletal discomfort among primary school children in government schools of Islamabad, Pakistan.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in different government schools of Islamabad, Pakistan from June 2018 to November 2018. After an informed consent from parents, 377 healthy school going children aged 6-14 years were included in this study. Data was collected through Backpack Questionnaire. Chi square test was used to compare the frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort with demographic characteristics and backpack-related features. P-value less than .05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Mean age of the school children was 9.49 ± 1.53 years with 179 (46.9%) male and 203 (53.1%) female students. Majority of students (89.8%) were found with school bags more than 15% of their body weight. Shoulder pain was the most commonly reported complaint (67.3%). There was a significant association between pain and perceived backpack weight (P=.001), and between pain and self-perceived posture (P=.001). Leaning forward (66.2%) was the most commonly adopted posture followed by leaning sideways (15.4%) and stooping (2.9%), respectively. The association between pain and duration of carrying backpack from home to school was insignificant (P=.055) in contrast to pain and duration of carrying bag from school to home (P=.007), respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions: Musculoskeletal discomfort was found commonly among primary school children with shoulder pain being the most frequent, as maximum students were carrying heavy school bags.

BURDEN OF THE SCHOOL BAG: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

In recent years, the weight of students' school bag has become an increasing concern to people with an interest or involvement in education at primary and secondary level. Parents, in particular, have given voice to this concern both as individuals and through their representative organisations. In addition, school authorities and teachers, health professionals and, indeed students themselves have increasingly voiced their unease regarding the heavy loads, which must be carried to and from school on a daily basis. Heavy school bags can be a burden, which tire students unnecessarily. There are also many researches, which have revealed strong correlation between school bag weight and physical problems among all students that can result in serious consequences in the future. So what are the factors, which contribute to the increased burden and weight on school children? Is it the number of textbooks, workbooks and copies , the size and weight of individual textbooks, the additional content and weight of the school bags or some other factors which have an indirect influence on the weight of school bags? These could be the provision of storage facilities, the lack of coordination of homework by teachers, students' lack of organisational skills and awareness in the school authorities of the possible health problems posed by excessively heavy school bags. This paper seeks to address these issues.

How do parents perceive the schoolbag problem?

Introduction. The problem of overloading children with too heavy schoolbags has been repeatedly reported in the period between August and September. Material and method. The survey was conducted in a group of 65 parents of children aged 7 years. The survey included 9 questions. Conclusions. (1) Parents usually declare they know the health status of their children. They believe that the child will be carrying a four-kilogram schoolbag on his or her back, learn using conventional methods (without tablets), and spend about two hours on improving their physical fitness. (2) The development of physical fitness and the prevention of static posture disorders are not supported by parents' acceptance of the preorientation of the children's lifestyles.

Do the requirements included in the regulation on health and safety at school effectively prevent children from carrying too heavy schoolbags?

Excessive spinal load caused by a schoolbag has a major impact on the child's body posture. The National Sanitary Inspector recommends the limit of schoolbag weight as corresponding to 10-15% of the student's weight. The aim of the study was to assess the spinal load of children aged 6-9 years, caused by schoolbags, and to check if it meets the requirements expressed as a percentage of the child's weight. The weight of the items in schoolbags was also established. In addition, parents' awareness about schoolbags and the child's use of additional storage spaces (lockers) were analyzed. Overall, 332 children aged 6-9 years (172 girls, 160 boys) attending selected schools in a city located in the Silesian Voivodeship participated in the study. The study included determining schoolbag weight and presenting it in relation to the child's weight. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for 2 independent variables with non-normally distributed data (the Shapiro-Wilk test). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare >2 independent trials. The level of statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. An average schoolbag weighted 3.57±0.58 kg. Schoolbag weight did not exceed 15% of the student's weight in 75% of the students; however, the schoolbags of only 17% of the students weighed less than 10% of the student's weight. The heaviest schoolbags were found among first-grade students. The girls had significantly heavier schoolbags compared to the boys (p = 0.037). The students using school lockers had heavier schoolbags than those who left unnecessary items on common shelves in the classroom (p = 0.006). The issue of heavy schoolbags remains a challenge for public health decision-makers despite the regulation that requires to provide children with space to leave books at school. The current rules do not effectively prevent children from carrying too heavy schoolbags. It is advisable to take measures to set an absolutely mandatory standard with which schools and students will be required to comply. Med Pr. 2020;71(6):687-97.

Weight of Schoolbags Among Indian Schoolchildren in Pune and Hyderabad

This study was done to determine proportion of children carrying heavy school bags and to compare new guidelines issued by Government of India on school bag weight limit, based on class of the child with previous guidelines based on child's weight. A cross-sectional study was done among students of schools from two cities of India - Pune and Hyderabad. Weight of school bag of 1321 children was measured and classified as 'heavy' or 'normal' based on existing as well as new guidelines. Agreement between two guidelines was also calculated. In our study, 722 (77.2%) out of 935 students from class 1-10 were found to be carrying 'heavy' school bags. Kappa coefficient for agreement between two guidelines was 0.55 (0.47,0.60) indicating moderately strong agreement. Large proportion of school children are carrying school bags with weight beyond permissible limits. There is a need for all stake holders to take steps to reduce weight of school bags.

Spine curvature data measurement and its application on product development

Human Spinal Column important structure thatgives strength and support to the entire upper body. The entire vertebral column is divided into Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum, and Coccyx. The normal spine curvature consists of cervical curve, thoracic curve, lumber curve andsacral curve. The normal spine has an S-shaped curve when viewed from the sideways. Two alternating curves to create an S like structure areLordotic Curve (Lordosis) andKyphotic curve (Kyphosis).It has been suggested that deviations in one or both of these variables may increase a person’s risk of developing back pain. Human spine curvature datarequiredin various field including – to study how heavy school bags affects posture/curvature of school going kids,spine curvature changes due to aging,posture changes with pregnancy,upper body posture changes due to mobile phone use,body posture changes due to sitting posture / office ergonomics, etc.Besides, the human spine curvature data are required for product development such as a mattress, chair, automobile seat, pillow, rehabilitation pads, school bag, baby carrier, assistive product for pregnant women/elderly, etc. The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of spine curvature data measurement and its applications on product development.

Parental Awareness of Musculoskeletal Health Consequences Due to Overweight Bag in Primary School Students

Background: Musculoskeletal discomfort is high in school going children in Kolhapur. The primary trigger for the discomfort is heavy school bags as identified through previous studies. Despite the Government of Maharashtra’s resolution to limit the school bag weight, a significant load reduction is lacking. Here we assessed the awareness and corrective measures regarding the weight of the school bag in parents and school authorities in primary school children. Materials and Methods: In this Cross sectional, prospective study, five schools, namely—A, B, C, D, E were selected based on feasibility. Two hundred and one consenting parents of students belonging to class 1 (6-7 year) from each school filled out a pre-tested questionnaire to assess their awareness. Statistical analysis of the response was calculated through chi-square test (P&lt;0.05). Results: Predominant weight carried by school children exceeded 10% of their body weight (mean total weight: 3.891 1.96 kg; gross weight: 3.014 1.63 kg; n=154). Prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was 52.7%. Style of carrying the school bag significantly influenced development of discomfort (P=0.002). School authorities (n=5) and parents were aware of the Governmen t resolution (n=183). But parents neither considered the weight of the bag at the time of purchase (n=148) nor helped their children pack their school bags (n=137). Conclusion: While there is increased awareness in parents and school authorities, there is lack of action. Corrective measures in terms of behavioural attitudes in parents and school authorities is necessary to bring about the expected changes.

Effect of Schoolbag Weight on Musculoskeletal Pain among Primary School Children in Yaounde, Cameroon: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Heavy schoolbag is known to cause health problems for school children. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of carrying heavy schoolbags on the musculoskeletal pain among primary school children of the two subsystems in Yaounde, Cameroon.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in primary schools in Yaounde. A total of 457 school-children (8.2 ± 2.2 years) were included, 202 from the French-speaking subsystem, and 255 from the English-speaking subsystem. Parameters studied included weight, height, and schoolbag weight. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and potential musculoskeletal pain in three regions: back, shoulders, and neck.&#x0D; Results: The mean weight of children and their bags was 28.4 ± 8.2 kg and 5.2 ± 2.3 kg respectively. More than 50% of schoolchildren in the two subsystems carried a schoolbag weighing more than 15% of body weight. The back (38%) was the least affected area in comparison to the shoulders (58.6%) and neck (42.4%) (p &lt; 0.001). Carrying heavy bags and walking to school was associated with pain in the back, shoulders, and neck. School-children in the French-speaking subsystem had lower risk (adjusted Odds Ratio 0.438, 95% CI = 0.295-0.651; p &lt; 0.001) to develop a sore neck compared to peers from the English-speaking subsystem.&#x0D; Conclusion: Carrying heavy schoolbags is associated to musculoskeletal pain in schoolchildren. The means moving to and from school is a main risk factor of developing musculoskeletal pain. French-speaking schoolchildren develop less neck pain than English-speaking schoolchildren.

Uzroci nepravilnog držanja tela dece i mogućnost prevencije

The modern way of life, which is characterized by insufficient movement, most often leads to poor posture. Children and young people exercise less and less and spend more and more time in passive sitting and lying positions. Such habits take them away from their natural needs for movement (hypokinesis) and significantly reduce most of their physical and functional abilities. The question is why do so many children sit with such poor posture? Habit is one of the main reasons, but not the only factor of poor posture when sitting. The article especially discusses the environment factors that may indicate the causes of improper posture, and occur during school: several hours of sitting in school desks, a large number of classes, short breaks, dysfunctional and inadequate classroom furniture, insufficient lighting of the work surface, heavy school bags and improper way of carrying one. Due to the influence of various factors: family, preschools, schools, and others in the formation of proper posture, it is necessary to create a system of preventative measures from an early age, which includes educating children. Prevention not only affects school success but also changes the attitude towards oneself, peers, and other people, which contributes to the development of positive traits and characteristics of the person and their successful socialization.

Influence of school backpacks on spinal column load in primary school students

Background: The problem of heavy school bags is a global problem recognized in many countries in Europe and the world, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to poor posture habits, sedentary lifestyles and insufficient physical activity, school bags is one of the main causes of low back pain and deformity in pupils. The recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) is that the weight of the school bag should not exceed 10% of the student's weight. However, in practice these limitations are far from reality with the obvious problems caused by too heavy bags. The aim of the paper is to identify and analyze the backbone load caused by the overweight school backpacks in real school work conditions and eliminate them by creating new solutions that are in line with ergonomic and biomechanical principles, as well as the recommendation given by WHO. Methods: The research included first grade primary school students at the age of seven, including their parents. The research began by interviewing parents with relevant questions, as well as measuring the students’ height and weight and the weight of their school backpacks. The analysis was performed in CATIA v5 software package (Dassault Systemes, Velizy-Villacoublay, France) using its advanced biomechanical modules. By knowing the anthropometric and work environment data with ergonomic design and analysis, the biomechanical analysis, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and carry analysis were performed. Results: The conducted survey showed that 84% of students walk from home to school nineteen minutes on average and that 77% of them carry their school backpacks independently. Based on the measurements, it has been shown that, on average, the weight of the school backpacks is well above the WHO recommendation. A study conducted on a representative sample of students confirmed the relation between fatigue and spinal pain caused by carrying a heavy school bag. Computer analysis showed excessive loads on the spinal segment of L4/L5 that were outside the normal range of 3,400 N. Conclusions: A simulated computer analysis using RULA and biomechanical analysis with calculations of maximum loads in the lumbar segment of students found that school backpacks carried by students were too heavy for their age and well beyond the normal limits and WHO recommendations. The analysis showed that it is necessary to reduce the weight of the bag by about 30%.

Influence of school backpacks on spinal column load in primary school students

Background: The problem of heavy school bags is a global problem recognized in many countries in Europe and the world, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to poor posture habits, "sedentary lifestyles" and insufficient physical activity, school bags is one of the main causes of low back pain and deformity in pupils. The recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) is that the weight of the school bag should not exceed 10% of the student's weight. However, in practice these limitations are far from reality with the obvious problems caused by too heavy bags. The aim of the paper is to identify and analyze the backbone load caused by the overweight school backpacks in real school work conditions and eliminate them by creating new solutions that are in line with ergonomic and biomechanical principles, as well as the recommendation given by WHO. Methods: The research included first grade primary school students at the age of seven, including their parents. The research began by interviewing parents with relevant questions, as well as measuring the students’ height and weight and the weight of their school backpacks. The analysis was performed in CATIA v5 software package (Dassault Systèmes, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France) using its advanced biomechanical modules. By knowing the anthropometric and work environment data with ergonomic design and analysis, the biomechanical analysis, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and carry analysis were performed. Results: The conducted survey showed that 84% of students walk from home to school nineteen minutes on average and that 77% of them carry their school backpacks independently. Based on the measurements, it has been shown that, on average, the weight of the school backpacks is well above the WHO recommendation. A study conducted on a representative sample of students confirmed the relation between fatigue and spinal pain caused by carrying a heavy school bag. Computer analysis showed excessive loads on the spinal segment of L4/L5 that were outside the normal range of 3,400 N. Conclusions: A simulated computer analysis using RULA and biomechanical analysis with calculations of maximum loads in the lumbar segment of students found that school backpacks carried by students were too heavy for their age and well beyond the normal limits and WHO recommendations. The analysis showed that it is necessary to reduce the weight of the bag by about 30%.

Assessment of perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes of parents regarding children\u2019s schoolbags and related musculoskeletal health

BackgroundHeavy schoolbags and their adverse musculoskeletal effects are a cause of great concern. Parents’ awareness and knowledge about this are crucial to prevent such health problems. Thus, this study aimed to assess parents’ perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes regarding children’s schoolbags and related musculoskeletal health.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted targeting parents with children of school age. In January 2015, a self-administered, validated questionnaire was distributed to all participants, consisting of questions about their awareness, knowledge, and attitude regarding the negative effects of carrying inappropriate schoolbags on children’s musculoskeletal health.ResultA total of 616 parents (284 fathers and 332 mothers) completed the questionnaire (response rate of 100%). A total of 247 (87.3%) fathers and 301 (90.9%) mothers knew that carrying heavy schoolbags produces back problems. However, only 105 (36.9%) fathers and 107 (37.6%) mothers knew that incorrect schoolbag weight and inadequate way to carry it may impede the normal alignment and growth of the spine. Only 107 (37.6%) fathers and 96 (28.9%) mothers knew the ideal weight of the schoolbag, while 49.6% of fathers and 42.8% of mothers did not check their children’s schoolbags for unnecessary contents.ConclusionAwareness of parents about the consequences of heavy schoolbags and correct use is still limited and suboptimal. Educational sessions for parents and awareness campaigns may help to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal health problems among children.

Burdened by the bag: A school-based cross-sectional survey

Background: The demands of education in our country have led to an increase in the loads children carry on a daily basis to school. Research evidence confirms that excessive loads lead to musculoskeletal problems in children, predisposing them to chronic back pain in adulthood. This problem becomes pertinent in primary school children, owing to the development of the spine at this age. Objectives: This study aims to assess the magnitude of the issue of heavy schoolbags, by measuring schoolbag weights and the factors affecting the ≤10% of body weight recommendation, and the children's perception of discomfort and pain. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey design was chosen for the research. Methods: Two schools with different syllabi, Indian Certificate of Secondary Examination and Central Board of Secondary Examination were approached and the schoolbags of children from Grades 1 to 5, aged 6-12-year (n = 776; boys = 402 and girls = 374), were weighed, and followed up over a week. Children were asked to rate their pain on the Faces Pain Scale-Revised and teachers' responses were collected through a teacher reported questionnaire prepared by the authors, which assessed their knowledge and control regarding the issue. Results: Majority of children carried a backpack and a separate lunch bag to and from school. A large percentage, 97.8% of schoolbags, weighed more than the recommended limit of ≤ 10% of the body weight. The mean weight of schoolbags carried was 5.9 ± 1.5 kg. Boys carried on an average 5.91 ± 1.48 kg and girls 5.98 ± 1.55 kg. Forty-eight percent of the children reported that carrying the schoolbag was causing discomfort and musculoskeletal pain and 77% of them reported discomfort at the shoulder region. Faces Pain Scale-Revised score ranged from 2 to 9 with 8 as an average intensity. Eighteen children reported absenteeism from school ranging from 1 to 5 days over the last term. The perception of teachers regarding the problem of schoolbag weights was mixed. Conclusion: This study concludes that heavy schoolbags are a problem in both the schools, with different syllabi. Being forced to carry heavy bags may lead to “schoolbag syndrome” in children. Thus, stringent measures need to be undertaken to reduce the bag burden and protect the health of children.