Abu Dhabi has introduced revised guidelines to limit the weight of school bags for students in private sector schools, aiming to protect students' physical health. The new regulation stipulates that the weight of school bags should not exceed 5-10% of a student's body weight. This adjustment is being implemented to alleviate the burden on young children who are often required to carry heavy bags filled with textbooks and materials.
According to the new policy, which affects various grade levels, students in early years (KG1/FS2 and KG2/Year 1) should not carry backpacks exceeding 2kg. As students advance in grade levels, the permissible bag weight gradually increases. For example, Grade 2/Year 3 and Grade 3/Year 4 students may carry backpacks weighing between 3kg and 4.5kg, while students in Grade 5/Year 6 and Grade 6/Year 7 are allowed up to 8kg. The upper limit of 10kg is set for students in Grade 9 and above.
This new rule highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to student well-being, addressing concerns raised by parents and health experts about the impact of carrying heavy school bags on children’s posture and long-term health. The policy is expected to relieve students of the excessive weight burden, enhancing their ability to focus on learning without physical strain.
Schools will be required to enforce the new weight limits and may explore additional measures such as digital resources and classroom lockers to reduce the need for students to carry multiple books at once. These steps mark a proactive move by the Emirate towards prioritizing health and creating a more comfortable learning environment for young students.
