Bags are known to be the most pivotal accessory for nearly every privileged human on this terrain, whether it is the first day at the Montessori, or a last day of the high school. Carrying a floppy bag is a common sight the world over, but it is a pity that half of the children suffer from back problems at the age of 14 by rising the spinal abnormalities, including scoliosis. It is the daily routine of the pupils to carry sagging bags filled with heavy books, laptops, sports kit, packed lunches, unimportant stationery and even cosmetics which may weigh as much as two stones.

According to the health officials that the children can suffer long-term and permanent damage if they carry more than 15 percent of their body weight over their shoulders and it not only causes spine problems but stress and fatigue as well.

And if children are getting back pain in their young age then there is the potential that they will have it for the next 70 to 80 years, which leads to a gigantic physical and emotional cost as their skeletons are still growing.

Teachers should stagger homework and timetables so children don’t need to carry several textbooks to school every day, and it is the duty of the parents to make sure they are not packing unnecessary items.

ZEESHAN NASIR,

Turbat, July 30.