In 2023, the total weight of compulsory school textbooks for first-year students in Russia is reported to be around 2.6 kilograms. When the backpack is added, the overall load can reach about 3.6 kilograms for children who carry all the required books at once. This information comes from a briefing provided to Gazeta.ru by the BestDoctor group of companies, highlighting the physical burden students may experience as they start the school year.
Experts note that the heaviest item in a first-year student’s backpack is typically the Literary Reading, a two-part text weighing approximately 372 grams. Close behind is The World Around, also in two parts, at about 359 grams, followed by a fine arts workbook weighing 288 grams. The technology textbook, at about 226 grams, is among the lighter components of the core list. Overall, there are nine mandatory textbooks for first-year students, each contributing to the cumulative weight that families must manage daily. This breakdown helps caregivers understand where the bulk comes from and informs strategies to reduce overall load without compromising educational quality, a concern echoed by pediatricians and school health experts alike, in particular when considering the routines of Canadian and American students who may face similar weight concerns in their own curricula.
Medical professionals emphasize that, per the guidance from health authorities such as the Russian consumer safety watchdog and pediatric associations, the backpack should not exceed about 10 percent of a child’s body weight. For younger students just starting school, many recommendations suggest keeping the backpack under 1.5 kilograms to minimize strain on the spine and lower back. In practice, this means selecting lighter, index-friendly materials, using ergonomically designed bags with padded straps and proper weight distribution, and teaching children how to pack only what is essential for each day. When parents pair these measures with routines like alternating heavier days, organizing supplies by necessity, and using digitized copies where possible, the burden becomes more manageable. Health experts also advise periodic breaks from heavy carrying by using lockers or school storage options where available, and encouraging classroom teachers to minimize unnecessary detours to grab items that are not needed every day. The goal is to protect spinal alignment during growth spurts, preserve posture, and reduce the risk of discomfort that can affect concentration and overall well-being throughout the school year.
In recent years, physicians have also tracked shifts in school-related health concerns, including the spread of common infectious diseases in school settings and how these can influence attendance and comfort levels. While functional equipment and healthy routines help, it remains important for families to stay attentive to signs of strain, such as persistent back pain, shoulder tension, or fatigue after school. Regular check-ins with pediatricians—who can assess posture, discuss ergonomic backpacks, and provide personalized guidance—play a key role in maintaining comfort and long-term health. Health experts stress that a practical approach combines proper backpack fit, mindful packing, and supportive habits inside and outside the classroom to create a balanced, sustainable routine for students as they navigate their first year and beyond.