Sir: Carrying heavy school bags has been proven to be very hazardous for the health of children. Today a growing number of children are suffering from back deformities because of the weight of the bags they are carrying in schools. A large number of children start suffering from back pain by the age of 12, and in certain cases they can develop serious spinal deformities. This is all because today school bags are much heavier than they used to be ten years ago. Back problems have a serious impact on health and quality of life so it is important that we protect our children from this hazard. Young children should not be forced to carry heavy school bags because their bones are still in the developmental phase. Children who walk to school while carrying heavy school bags are most at risk of these problems. I urge parents to be vigilant of the problems that can be caused by heavy school bags. Teachers and school administrations are urgently requested to create realistic and practical time tables so that children do not have to carry huge loads every day. MINAJ GUL MOHAMMAD Kech Published in Daily Times, February 8th 2018.