Abu Dhabi’s education authority has introduced strict new guidelines limiting school bag weight to 10% of a student’s body weight. The move aims to protect children from back pain, poor posture, and long-term health issues, ensuring a safer and more supportive learning environment across private schools in the emirate.
Abu Dhabi : In a move aimed at safeguarding the physical health of students across the emirate, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced stringent new guidelines limiting the weight of school bags to a maximum of 10 per cent of a student’s body weight. The directive, which comes ahead of the upcoming academic year, mandates that all private schools in Abu Dhabi comply with these weight restrictions as part of broader health and safety reforms.
The policy outlines a weight limit range between 5 to 10 per cent of each student's body weight, based on individual differences such as age, strength, and any existing health conditions. The move has been welcomed by educators, healthcare professionals, and parents who have long expressed concerns over the physical strain caused by heavy backpacks on schoolchildren.
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ADEK’s guidelines provide a detailed breakdown of acceptable school bag weights for each educational stage:
These limits are to be strictly adhered to by schools, with ADEK expecting full implementation no later than February 1, 2026.
Medical professionals have long warned of the detrimental effects of heavy school bags, including back pain, poor posture, spinal curvature, and long-term musculoskeletal complications. By enforcing this new policy, ADEK aims to create a healthier school environment, especially for younger children whose bodies are still developing and are more vulnerable to physical strain.
The department has also advised against the use of trolley bags, commonly used by students in recent years. Despite the perception that trolley bags reduce shoulder strain, ADEK noted that these can lead to poor posture, hand and wrist strain, and logistical challenges in school environments such as stairs and uneven surfaces.
Schools have been instructed to monitor compliance through periodic checks and parental engagement. Institutions are being encouraged to adopt strategies that help reduce the daily burden on students, such as:
Additionally, ADEK is calling on school staff to play an active role in educating students on the proper way to carry and use backpacks. This includes the use of both shoulder straps, the importance of ergonomic design, and the need to avoid carrying unnecessary items.
The announcement has been met with strong approval from parents across Abu Dhabi. Many have shared stories of children experiencing fatigue, backaches, and disinterest in school due to the physical load they carry each day. Parents noted that this policy not only addresses a long-standing concern but also reflects the authorities’ commitment to student welfare.
“I’ve seen my daughter struggle with her bag every morning. It's almost the same size as her,” said a mother of a Grade 4 student. “This decision couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Another parent echoed similar sentiments: “It shows that the system is evolving to meet both educational and health needs. We’re grateful for this initiative.”
The new school bag guidelines are part of ADEK’s wider push to ensure safe and healthy learning environments in the emirate. As part of its updated policy framework, schools are now required to:
The revised health and safety policy also includes a requirement for schools to publicly display their latest inspection ratings and key performance indicators on dedicated “School Performance Boards.” This step aims to increase transparency and help parents make informed choices regarding their children's education.
With growing concerns worldwide over the impact of sedentary lifestyles and poor ergonomic habits among children, Abu Dhabi’s school bag policy sets a precedent for proactive student health management. ADEK’s directive encourages a collaborative approach involving parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to instill long-term habits that promote physical well-being.
Experts suggest that simple steps such as regular stretching, daily physical activity, and correct backpack usage can make a significant difference in student health. They also recommend periodic weighing of backpacks at home to ensure compliance and avoid accidental overloading.
While the policy is already in effect, ADEK has given schools until February 2026 to achieve full compliance. Routine inspections will be conducted to monitor adherence, and schools that fail to implement the guidelines may face penalties or corrective actions.
In the coming weeks, ADEK plans to release additional training materials and toolkits to help schools integrate the guidelines into their daily operations.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi’s decision to regulate school bag weight marks a major step toward prioritizing student health without compromising academic achievement. As the new academic year approaches, parents, teachers, and administrators are expected to work hand in hand to ensure that every student walks into school carrying only what’s necessary—no more, no less.
