3 days ago
UAE: Some schools ban trolley bags for students; here's why
Several schools across the UAE are advising parents not to send their children with trolley bags for the upcoming academic year, citing health, safety, and practical concerns.
Even as families are yet to begin their back-to-school shopping amid the summer break, some parents have received circulars urging them to reconsider their bag choices. Recommended For You
Educators and healthcare professionals are urging parents to prioritise safety and smart habits over convenience or trends when choosing a school bag.
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This isn't the first time schools have addressed school bag concerns. In August last year, Abu Dhabi authorities reminded institutions that a student's backpack should not exceed 20 per cent of their body weight.
Since then, a growing number of schools across the Emirates have moved to implement lighter bag policies and age-specific weight guidelines to minimise the physical strain on students. Safety before convenience
At the heart of this shift is a focus on student wellbeing. 'The removal of trolley bags across Woodlem Schools is a student-centered initiative aimed primarily at safeguarding students' health and wellbeing," said Noufal Ahmed, managing director at Woodlem Education.
He cited multiple issues with trolley bags, including physical strain from dragging them, tripping hazards on stairs, and excessive noise. "Trolley bags also contribute to congestion and clutter in classrooms, increasing the risk of tripping inside the classroom, too," he added.
To ease the burden, Woodlem Schools are reinforcing their BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy and e-learning platforms to reduce reliance on heavy textbooks. With lockers available on campus, students are encouraged to bring only the essentials in lightweight, ergonomic backpacks.
Meanwhile, Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi takes a more age-specific approach.
'We recommend that students in Foundation Stage and Upper Primary use trolley bags, as their shoulders are still developing and carrying heavy loads could strain their spine and body.
"For middle and senior school students, backpacks are more suitable. We advise students to pack their bags according to the timetable to keep the overall weight below eight for older students," she explained. Injury risks
Healthcare experts across the UAE are backing schools' concerns, warning that trolley bags aren't as safe as many assume.
'While trolley bags may reduce direct pressure on the back, they are not necessarily safe. Tripping hazards are a major concern. Manoeuvring trolley bags in such settings can also lead to wrist and shoulder strain. In many cases, children end up carrying trolley bags up steps or over curbs, defeating the purpose and increasing injury risk," explained Dr Amr El Zawahry, Consultant Pediatrician at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital.
He emphasised that the solution lies not just in choosing the right type of ergonomically appropriate bag, but also in reducing what goes inside — by using lockers, digital textbooks, or lighter materials.
Dr Maleeha Rafiq, consultant paediatrics at NMC Royal Hospital, added that poor usage of trolley bags could result in a range of musculoskeletal issues.
She advises that parents and schools not only focus on the type of bag, but also on how it's used, how much it carries, and how it fits the child's daily school environment.
'Children often use them incorrectly, which can lead to uneven muscle strain, altered walking patterns, and even spinal misalignment,' she said.
"Trolley bags can easily trip other students... and the larger size makes them harder to store neatly in classrooms or buses. Besides, the wheels can be noisy and disruptive, and the larger size of trolley bags makes them harder to store neatly in classrooms or buses," she added. nandini@
Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.
