Private family doctors warned against children wearing heavy school bags, as the new scholastic year started yesterday.

The Association of Private Family Doctors reminded that international standards limited the weight to not more than 10 per cent of the child’s bodyweight. This did not mean, however, that overweight children were expected to carry heavier bags.

The doctors added that the Health Promotion Department should be proactive and suggest customs that follow these standards, such as the provision of lockers and intelligent use of timetables.