22-07-2025
UAE Schools Ditch Trolley Bags Over Health & Safety Concerns
Parents at several institutions have received circulars advising against wheeled bags for the upcoming academic year, with educators and health experts citing safety, practicality, and physical wellbeing as top concerns.
From Trendy to Troublesome
While trolley bags are seen by many as a convenient choice, some UAE schools argue they're more trouble than they're worth. At Woodlem Schools, the ban is all about student safety.
'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.
Ahmed pointed to multiple problems: the strain of dragging the bags, students tripping on stairs, noisy disruptions, and classroom congestion. 'Trolley bags also contribute to clutter in classrooms, increasing the risk of tripping inside the classroom, too,' he added.
Instead, the school is boosting its BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy and encouraging digital learning to cut down on heavy books. With lockers provided on campus, students are urged to carry only the essentials in ergonomic, lightweight backpacks.
One Size Doesn't Fit All
At Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi, the rules vary by age group.
'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,' a school representative explained.
'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 kilograms.'
Doctors Are on Board
Health professionals across the Emirates are echoing the schools' concerns, emphasizing that trolley bags may not be as safe as parents think.
'While trolley bags may reduce direct pressure on the back, they are not necessarily safe,' said Dr. Amr El Zawahry, Consultant Pediatrician at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital. 'Tripping hazards are a major concern. Manoeuvring trolley bags in such settings can also lead to wrist and shoulder strain.'
He added that students often end up lifting the bags over curbs and stairs, which increases the risk of injury — essentially defeating the point of having wheels.
Dr. Maleeha Rafiq, Consultant Paediatrics at NMC Royal Hospital, also warned against misuse. 'Children often use them incorrectly, which can lead to uneven muscle strain, altered walking patterns, and even spinal misalignment,' she said.
She added that the oversized nature of trolley bags creates practical issues too: 'They 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.'
The Bigger Picture
Last August, Abu Dhabi authorities reminded schools that backpacks should not exceed 20% of a student's body weight. Since then, many schools across the UAE have taken steps toward lighter load policies — either by adjusting school bag requirements or implementing tech-friendly alternatives.
The takeaway? While a flashy trolley bag might look like a back-to-school win, schools and doctors agree — lighter, smarter, and safer is the way forward.
