In the process of teaching a child, the teacher relies on the foundations of each subject, consistently moving from simplicity to complexity. These foundations are reflected in educational literature - textbooks.

  But lately, the volume of textbooks seems to be getting larger and heavier. The heavy bags seemed to crush small bodies. So, what should the weight of textbooks be? What should parents pay attention to when choosing a bag based on the age of their students? This was reported by the Information Service of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee.

Procedure established by law

   Textbooks used by students of general education schools are prepared in accordance with the general technical regulations approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated December 28, 2022 No. 726 "On Approval of the General Technical Regulations for Establishing Requirements for the Safety of Printed Products for Educational Institutions," as well as the requirements of the Ministry of Health's Sanitary Rules and Norms No. 0359-18, approved in 2018.

What should be the weight of the textbooks?

  In accordance with the above documents, the weight of textbooks is determined as follows:

• Weight of one publication for grades 1 - 4 - 300 grams (+/-10 percent);
• Weight of one publication for grades 5 - 6 - 400 grams (+/-10 percent);
• For grades 7 - 9, the weight of one publication is 500 grams (+/-10 percent);
• For grades 10 - 11, the weight of one publication is 600 grams (+/-10 percent).

   If a student's lesson is 4-5 hours per day, only the publication weighs 1.5 - 2.5 - 3 kilograms or more.

   Additionally, placing notebooks, diaries, pencils, pens, and necessary school supplies in the bag further increases the bag's weight.

   Also, the total weight of textbooks intended for one school day, including writing materials, should not exceed the following established norms up to a distance of 1-2 kilometers, excluding the student's bag or backpack.

How does a heavy school bag affect children's health?

   If the child is developing healthyly, it will not harm their health even if they carry loads slightly exceeding the established norm. However, carrying excess loads should not be permanent.

  Constantly carrying a heavy school bag can cause weakness, fatigue, and excess pressure, affecting the normal functioning of the student's heart. A heavy school bag negatively affects a child's body shape.

   Because the child is carrying a heavy bag, they bend their head, neck, and shoulders forward. This prolonged condition can lead to spinal curvature (scoliosis) and even a hunchback.

What to pay attention to when buying a school bag

  When buying a school bag for your child, you should pay attention to choosing bags weighing from 700 grams to 1,200 grams that are not made with unpleasant-smelling synthetic materials. It is recommended that the school bag containing school supplies not exceed 10-15 percent of the student's weight. For example, if a student weighs 40 kg, their school bag should not exceed 4-6 kg.

Examples of classes:

• 1 - 2nd class - not more than 3 kg;
• 3 - 4th class - not more than 3.5 kg;
• 5 - 6 classes - not more than 5 kg;
• 7 - 8 classes - not more than 6.5 kg;
• In grades 9-11, it should not exceed 8 kg.

Prepared by Mamura Turayeva