Heavy schoolbags threaten children's posture, Moldovan doctor warns
Moldovan medical specialist Svetlana Viteborscaia warned parents that heavy and ill-fitting schoolbags risk causing chronic spinal deformities, as students prepare to return to classrooms on Sept. 1.
Speaking on public broadcaster Radio Moldova's program "Zi de Zi," Dr. Viteborscaia urged families to prioritize ergonomics over popular cartoon prints and commercial branding. She advised that a backpack must never exceed 10 to 15 percent of a child's body weight to safeguard developing muscles and joints.
Ergonomic rules and weight limits
To prevent postural misalignment, the physician said schoolbag straps must be wide, padded, and worn over both shoulders, with the pack adjusted firmly against the upper back. She noted that the base of the bag should align with the lumbar spine and urged parents to fasten waist straps to shift weight toward the hips.
“Parents should not focus on colorful brands or decorative cartoon characters; the backpack must be ergonomic,” Dr. Viteborscaia said. “Neglecting these factors can trigger back and shoulder pain that may become chronic if the load is excessive or distributed unevenly.”
Health risks and back-to-school context
Improper or overburdened packs can induce spinal curvatures such as kyphosis and lordosis, alongside fatigue, tension headaches, and emotional discomfort, the doctor warned. She advised packing heavier textbooks closest to the back panel to maintain the body's natural center of gravity.
Moldova's academic year opens on Sept. 1 across all primary and secondary schools. The inaugural nationwide thematic lesson this year is titled “Independence that unites us,” commemorating the 35th anniversary of the country's 1991 declaration of independence.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
