DUBAI, July 22: Parents across the UAE are being advised to rethink their back-to-school purchases as several schools issue warnings against the use of trolley bags, citing a growing list of safety, health, and practical concerns.

Even before many families have begun their annual shopping spree for school supplies, circulars have been landing in inboxes, urging parents to opt for lightweight backpacks instead.

Educators and medical professionals alike are sounding the alarm, calling for smarter, safer choices when it comes to school bags — and urging parents not to prioritise convenience or fashion over their children’s wellbeing.

Not Just a Trend — A Necessary Shift

This isn’t the first time school bag concerns have made headlines. Just last August, authorities in Abu Dhabi reminded schools that student backpacks should weigh no more than 20 per cent of the child’s body weight — a guideline that has since prompted many schools to adopt strict bag-weight policies.

In response, a growing number of schools have moved to implement lighter-load practices and age-specific guidelines to ease the physical burden placed on students.

Health Over Habit

At the forefront of this initiative is Woodlem Education, which has now banned trolley bags across its schools. “This is a student-centred move, grounded in the need to safeguard children’s health,” said Noufal Ahmed, Managing Director at Woodlem Education.

“Trolley bags may seem convenient, but they pose multiple issues — from strain on the arms and shoulders to tripping hazards on staircases and classroom floors. They also create excessive noise and clutter, which disrupts the learning environment,” he explained.

To address the problem, Woodlem Schools are doubling down on their BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy and e-learning tools, aiming to reduce the dependency on heavy textbooks. With lockers available on campus, students are encouraged to carry only essentials in ergonomically designed backpacks.

A Tailored Approach

Other institutions, like Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi, are taking a more age-specific stance. Younger children in Foundation Stage and Upper Primary are still permitted to use trolley bags, as their growing bodies may not yet be suited to carry loads on their backs.

“For middle and senior school students, we recommend backpacks — packed strictly according to the day’s timetable to keep total weight under 8 kilograms,” said a school representative.

Expert Warnings: Trolley Bags Are Not Risk-Free

Healthcare professionals across the Emirates are backing the schools’ concerns, saying trolley bags aren’t the safer alternative many parents believe them to be.

“While they reduce pressure on the spine, trolley bags can cause other problems,” said Dr Amr El Zawahry, Consultant Paediatrician at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital. “Children often drag them over curbs or carry them up stairs, defeating their purpose and increasing the risk of injury to wrists and shoulders.”

He stressed the importance of not just choosing the right type of bag, but also minimising the weight inside by leveraging digital learning and storage facilities.

Dr Maleeha Rafiq, Consultant Paediatrician at NMC Royal Hospital, warned that poor usage of trolley bags can lead to serious musculoskeletal issues.

“Incorrect use can alter a child’s walking pattern, cause uneven muscle development, and even affect spinal alignment,” she said. “Their larger size makes them difficult to store neatly in classrooms and buses. They’re often noisy and can easily trip other students.”

The Bottom Line

As the new academic year approaches, UAE schools and medical experts are urging parents to choose function over fashion. The message is clear: a child’s long-term health and safety far outweigh the fleeting convenience of a wheeled bag.