In today's academic environment, the physical well-being of students is often overlooked in favor of educational achievements. At the American School of Kuwait (ASK), this concern is the focus of many parents who are increasingly alarmed at the weight their children are compelled to carry to/from/throughout school daily. The maximum recommended weight that should be carried by students is a mere 10-15% of their body weight, as per the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Mayo Clinic. However, many of our children are forced to carry backpacks that far surpass this recommended limit, leading to potential health issues and safety hazards on campus. ASK students carry a minimum of 3 textbooks/notebooks, laptop with cable, pencil case and gym clothes per day. This does not include additional items such as lunchbox, water bottle and things required for extracurriculars or projects.

Overloaded backpacks can result in chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, not to mention poor posture and long-term physical health challenges (even more so for students who suffer from scoliosis and other health issues.) In some cases, these conditions may become permanent if not addressed promptly. The American School of Kuwait, renowned for its commitment to student success, needs to extend its dedication to include the physical health and safety of its students by reinstating lockers for Middle School and High School students. There are many locations on campus where lockers can easily be placed. Alternative solutions have not been successful at this point.

Lockers, such as the ones provided to students at many other local schools, provide a simple yet highly effective solution to alleviate the physical burden placed upon students. They enable students to store their books and other materials securely at school, reducing the necessity to carry heavy bags throughout the day. The absence of lockers diminishes the ability of students to focus on learning and developing, which should be the primary goal of any educational institution.

Join us in urging the administration team at the American School of Kuwait to reinstate lockers for all Middle School and High School students. It's time to prioritize their health and overall well-being and demonstrate a commitment to creating a balanced and supportive educational environment. Let us make sure our children have what they need to thrive, both academically and physically.

-American School of Kuwait Parent Community

Mayo Clinic Article 1: https://tinyurl.com/56m3yred

Mayo Clinic Article 2: https://tinyurl.com/5y6pyxec