Parents Demand Action as Heavy Backpacks Burden Children

Concerns have surfaced among parents in Taiwan regarding the excessive weight of elementary school students’ backpacks. Many parents report that their children struggle to carry bags that can weigh significantly more than recommended limits, leading to fears about their health and development.

A second-grade student weighing 30 kg was found to be carrying a backpack weighing 5.8 kg, which far exceeds the Ministry of Education’s guideline that suggests school bags should not exceed one-eighth of a child’s body weight. The contents of the bag included a pencil case, water bottle, lunch box, textbooks, and various notebooks, illustrating the heavy load children are subjected to daily. Even after removing materials related to after-school programs, the backpack still weighed approximately 4 kg.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the physical strain this places on children. “They can’t even lift it with one hand,” the parent noted. The burden of such weight raises significant worries about children’s growth and long-term health.

Health Risks Associated with Heavy Backpacks

According to Dr. Strong Po-chun, a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, heavy backpacks can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal issues. While a direct link between heavy loads and stunted growth has not been conclusively proven, it is critical to consider that children are still developing. Carrying excessive weight can lead to compensatory postures that may adversely affect their alignment.

Dr. Po-chun identified common postural problems associated with heavy loads, including hunched backs, rounded shoulders, and lower back pain, which can worsen over time. Children with weaker core muscles and those who lead sedentary lifestyles are particularly susceptible to these issues. The proliferation of electronic devices has also contributed to the emergence of “tech neck,” a condition that can lead to further complications in spinal health.

Frequent pain during formative school years can impose invisible stress on a child’s body, potentially disrupting hormone regulation, including those linked to growth. Dr. Po-chun advises that backpacks should not exceed 15 percent of a child’s body weight. He also provides practical solutions, recommending that students distribute weight evenly and ensure their backpacks are adjusted properly to minimize discomfort.

Policy Initiatives and Recommendations

To combat this issue, the New Taipei City Education Department has implemented policies aimed at reducing backpack weight since 1999. Although government subsidies for this initiative ended in 2012, the city has continued to promote measures that encourage students to carry only essential books home. The department reported that over NT$15 million (approximately US$476,872) has been allocated to help schools replace lockers, thereby reducing the number of items students must carry.

The department has called on parents, teachers, and students to collaborate on solutions, emphasizing the importance of choosing appropriate backpacks, organizing their contents, and understanding the correct way to carry them. Lin Sung-hung, Chairman of the New Taipei Teacher’s Union, highlighted the importance of fostering responsibility and good habits among students and parents alike.

While online learning resources have aided in reducing the burden of physical textbooks, many students still carry reference books and assignments from after-school programs, contributing to heavy loads. Lin recommends that parents regularly check their children’s backpacks and assist in organizing their contents.

The issue of heavy backpacks continues to be a prevalent concern in schools, particularly for younger students whose backpacks may be disproportionately large. As parents and educators work together to address these challenges, the health and well-being of children remain a top priority.