The results of weighing the backpacks of younger schoolchildren can be seen by following this link. For example, the weight of textbooks and notebooks for three subjects for a second grader (mathematics, Russian language, "Me and the World") amounted to 3 kilograms, which negatively affects health.
How exactly does carrying heavy backpacks affect the health of schoolchildren? We reached out for a comment from expert Baktygul Jumakulova.
According to her, this is a serious problem. Children usually come to the first grade without obvious disorders, but the situation changes during the learning process. Approximately 30% of children already show signs of scoliosis by the fifth grade, as noted during medical examinations, she added.
Not only the weight of the backpacks but also the improper way of carrying them affects health. "Children often carry backpacks on one shoulder, although they should be evenly distributed across both straps. We constantly remind them about this. This leads not only to scoliosis but also to postural disorders. A heavy backpack pulls backward, and the child is forced to lean forward, which leads to postural deformation," Jumakulova explained.
Another problem is the incorrect fit of the backpack. It should fit snugly against the back and be tightened, but in practice, backpacks often hang on the lower back or even lower. These factors, combined with the weight of educational materials, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as scoliosis and postural problems.
Jumakulova also emphasized that if the deformation affects the cervical-thoracic region of the spine, it can negatively impact blood circulation, which nourishes the brain. This, in turn, leads to weakness, drowsiness, and deterioration of concentration and memory in children due to a lack of oxygen and blood supply.
"The problem is indeed relevant. I always tell my colleagues that we need to focus not on diseases but on health. We should come to schools, observe, and provide recommendations to prevent the development of these disorders during school age, many of which can be prevented in advance," she noted.
Unfortunately, in the expert's opinion, school medicine in Kyrgyzstan remains on the periphery of the healthcare system. "This area receives extremely little attention. I am only listened to when children or grandchildren have serious health problems," Jumakulova said.
As for the backpacks themselves, there used to be sanitary norms: the shape of the bag, rules for carrying, and the permissible number of books. "In Soviet times, for example, there were classes without books in the schedule - labor, physical education, music. Today, there is practically no such control. Schedules change, and children often carry all textbooks at once to avoid forgetting anything. Parents also do not always pay attention to this," she shared.
Moreover, as the specialist noted, many children attend additional classes and sports sections, which forces them to carry two bags at once, further increasing the load on the spine.
"Our observations show that by the eighth grade, scoliosis is already recorded in almost 60% of children. Our medicine is mainly focused on diagnosing and treating diseases that have already developed, while the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders begins too late, when the disease has already progressed," Jumakulova added.
In her opinion, child and adolescent hygiene services mainly limit themselves to checking schools before the start of the academic year, while aspects such as schedules, workloads, and the number of textbooks remain uncontrolled.
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