Ministry of Health warned parents about school backpacks for children

Tengrinews.kz — The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines on how to choose the right school backpack to prevent health issues.
The ideal weight formula: standards by grade level
The Ministry explained that the primary rule for parents is that a fully packed backpack should not exceed 10 percent of the child's body weight.
For example, if a student weighs 30 kg, the backpack and all its contents should weigh no more than 3 kg.
According to Ministry of Health regulations, there are specific weight limits for a daily set of textbooks and notebooks, excluding the weight of the backpack itself:

Grades 1–3: up to 2 kg;
Grades 4–5: up to 2.5 kg;
Grades 6–7: up to 3.5 kg;
Grades 8–11: up to 4.5 kg.

What to look for
The empty backpack itself should be as light as possible—ideally no heavier than 1 kg, the Ministry emphasized.

"Experts recommend choosing a backpack together with the child. Before purchasing, it is advisable to try it on to ensure it fits the student's height and sits comfortably on the back," the report states.

The ideal backpack:

has a firm orthopedic back panel for proper spinal alignment;features wide, padded, adjustable straps to distribute the load evenly across the shoulders;reflective elements for child safety in the dark;is made of durable, water-resistant material.


"It is also vital to consider the weight of the backpack itself. The lighter it is, the less strain on the child. Experts recommend that an empty backpack should not exceed one kilogram. It should not be oversized or hang significantly below the waist," the Ministry explained.

Remove unnecessary items
Even a high-quality backpack can become too heavy if a child carries unnecessary items. Parents are therefore advised to regularly check its contents.
Toys, extra books, notebooks, and other items not required for lessons are best left at home.
The Ministry of Health stressed that it is important to teach children to wear the backpack on both shoulders to ensure even weight distribution.
If the school provides lockers or storage space, it is recommended to leave some textbooks and supplies there.
A comfortable backpack:

matches the child's height, contains minimal extra items, and weighs no more than 10 percent of the student's body weight.


"These simple daily habits will help make school days more comfortable and reduce unnecessary strain on the back and shoulders," the Ministry concluded.