The importance of limiting the weight of school bags being carried every day by children was highlighted by the Association of Private Family Doctors in a statement this afternoon.

It reminded parents with children of school age, education authorities and the Education Department that international standards limited the weight of school bags to not more than 10 per cent of the child’s bodyweight.

However, this did not mean that overweight children were expected to carry heavier bags.

It said the Health Promotion Department should also be proactive in suggesting ways how this ideal should be attained such as by the provision of lockers in schools and by the intelligent use of time-tables.

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