Muscat – As the new academic year for Omani schools approaches, parents across the sultanate are being urged to pay greater attention to the school bags their children carry.

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has emphasised the importance of selecting bags that comply with the unified Omani-Gulf Standard (OS GSO 2656), designed to safeguard children’s health and well-being.

This comes amid rising concern of parents, doctors and educators about the harmful effects of heavy or poorly designed backpacks, particularly on young students.

Dr Abdulrahman al Subhi, Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, warned of the often-overlooked risks posed by overloaded bags. “The weight of school bags is not just a physical issue but one that can also affect students psychologically and academically,” he said, noting that carrying excessive weight can result in fatigue, reduced concentration and increased levels of anxiety and stress.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Jihad bint Jabr al Busaidi, Director of Specifications Department at MoCIIP’s Directorate General of Standards and Metrology, explained that the standard was developed to provide a scientific and practical framework for the manufacture, import and sale of school bags across the Gulf. It considers both health and educational aspects, ensuring the bag weight is appropriate for a child’s age and body size to help prevent strain on the spine and muscles.

According to the specification, the maximum weight of a  school bag should not exceed 2kg for primary school and 4kg for senior school students. For wheeled bags, the limit is 5kg for primary school and 7kg for senior school students. Importantly, the total weight of a school bag when filled should not exceed 10% of the student’s body weight.

Jihad added that the standard also requires wide, padded and adjustable shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly, padded back support to reduce spinal pressure, and the use of safe, eco-friendly materials free from harmful substances. It further recommends internal compartments to balance weight, with bag dimensions that fit the back up to the end of the ribs without extending beyond the waist or shoulder width. Healthy habits such as using both straps and placing heavier items closer to the back are also encouraged.

She informed that Ministry of Education and the Consumer Protection Authority are working jointly to raise awareness among parents and students, while also conducting inspections to ensure retailers comply with the approved standards.

“Adoption of OS GSO 2656 forms part of broader efforts to unify standards across GCC countries, supporting health, education and economic integration. It also encourages manufacturers, both local and international, to design and produce safer, more ergonomic school bags,” Jihad said.