Research by a Sligo schoolgirl on the loads carried in school bags has some weight.
Many national school age children around the country have heavy school bags. At St Brendan's National School in Sligo, one pupil has established just how heavy the bags are.
Deirdre Melvin who is in sixth class weighed her fellow students schoolbags and found that the average child carries 6.35 kilogrammes on their back to and from school during term time.
A short questionnaire revealed that her classmates feel heavy bags are affecting their bones and would prefer to leave books in school.
Teachers, while concerned about the issue, do not feel this is a viable solution to the problem. Deirdre Melvin would like to see a resolution put in place.
We’re carrying one-fifth, one-sixth of our weight.
A timetable to reduce the number of books being carried each day has been suggested, but will not work with current the curriculum.
When contacted for comment by 'Newsline’, Minister for Education Mary O’Rourke said she has met with teachers and school architects about the issue.
A ‘Newsline’ report broadcast on 27 April 1990. The reporter is Eileen Magnier.
