FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE ISSUE OF HEAVY SCHOOL BAGS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The issue related to students' heavy bags is a long-standing issue in Malaysia, especially among Standard 1, Standard 2 and Standard 3 primary school students. This issue of heavy school bags can have a negative impact on students in which they are exposed to possibility effected their body alignment. Therefore, this study, which is in the form of a case study has been conducted to identify the factors that cause the issue of heavy bags brought by primary school students to school. This study involved 221 Year 2 students in a primary school who have been chosen through purposive sampling method. The research data was collected by using a survey form that was built by the researchers. The findings of the study showed that there are three main themes as contributing factors in the issue of the existence of heavy bags among primary school students. The three main factors that have been identified in this study are (1) time management, (2) self-discipline, and (3) student attitude. Through the findings of this study, a conclusion can be made that the role of parents and guardians is very important in helping to reduce the issue of students bringing heavy school bags to school. If parents and guardians play their role more effectively, then these three main factors contributing to the issue of heavy bags in the school being studied can be successfully reduced.