Muscat: The Ministries of Education and Health have highlighted a set of specifications for school bags aimed at promoting students’ safety, comfort and proper weight distribution.
According to the ministries, school bags should be lightweight and preferably made of fabric. The back of the bag should have thick, flexible padding with small openings to allow ventilation.
They also recommend bags with multiple compartments to help distribute the weight evenly. The shoulder straps should be adjustable, wide and padded with soft material to prevent excessive pressure on the shoulders.
The width of the bag should not exceed the student’s shoulder width, while its length should correspond to the length of the student’s torso. The bottom of the bag should sit approximately 5 cm above the waist, the ministries stressed.
A waist strap is also recommended, with the ability to adjust it according to the student’s size. This helps distribute the weight of the bag across different parts of the body and reduces pressure on the shoulders and back.
The recommendations form part of efforts to raise awareness among students and parents about choosing school bags that support healthy posture and reduce the physical strain associated with carrying school materials.
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