Ways to tackle heavy schoolbags

THE problem of heavy schoolbags has been highlighted in the mass media time and again but there seems to be no practical long-term solution in sight. Rather than wait for a one-off miracle solution can we not alleviate this problem one level at a time?  

For starters, let us ask ourselves as parents. Are we part contributors to the problem? Do we buy school bags for multiple purposes? One pocket for food and drink bottle, another for a change of P.E. attire, yet another for colour pencils and other art materials etc. Do we choose a school bag to satisfy our children's whims and fancies? Why do school children carry food and drinks from home? Are the school canteens unhygienic? Are the caterers uncaring and unfriendly? Is the food not up to their taste? These questions can only be answered by school heads, Parent Teacher Associations, the Health Department and the District Education Office.