Five key habits the Ministry recommends to boost student wellbeing and concentration.
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Education has issued a set of health recommendations to help students establish healthy daily routines as they return to school. The guidance includes keeping schoolbags within 10–20 per cent of a child’s body weight, limiting screen use for 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and ensuring children get between eight and 13 hours of sleep, depending on their age.
The Ministry has urged families to adjust children’s routines to match school schedules, set clear boundaries around electronic device use and pay close attention to the quality of the food, water and snacks packed for the school day. Parents are also advised to choose suitable schoolbags and ensure children carry them correctly.
Switch off screens before bedtime
The recommendations are part of the Healthy Back-to-School Guide 2026–2027, circulated by the Ministry of Education to school administrations. Prepared by Emirates Health Services (EHS), the guide offers practical advice for students and parents to support children’s physical and mental wellbeing, ease the transition back to school and help them maintain energy and focus throughout the academic year.
The guide places particular emphasis on managing recreational screen time. Parents are encouraged to establish clear rules and routines for device use during the school year and agree on these limits with their children in advance.
The guide stresses the importance of avoiding screens for 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, as exposure to electronic devices can make it harder for children to fall asleep. It recommends making screen management a consistent part of the family’s daily routine, particularly on school days.
Healthy sleep for children
For sleep routines, the guide advises families to gradually adjust children’s bedtimes and wake-up times to align with school schedules. Establishing a consistent sleep pattern can help minimise potential effects on children’s health, behaviour and academic performance as they return to school.
The guide outlines recommended sleep durations by age. Children aged 3 to 5 should get around 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day, including naps, while those aged 6 to 12 need approximately 9 to 12 hours. For teenagers aged 13 to 18, the recommended amount is around 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.
Daily physical activity
Children are advised to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, including activities such as brisk walking, running and sports. The recommended activity can be spread across different times before, during and after school.
Regular physical activity can help ease anxiety and improve children’s concentration in the classroom. The guide therefore recommends making exercise a consistent part of students’ daily routines rather than limiting it to certain days of the week.
Healthy nutrition
The guide also encourages families to establish healthy eating habits by including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and lean sources of protein in children’s diets. Parents are advised to limit foods high in saturated fats, added sugars and sodium to support children’s overall health and wellbeing.
Schoolbag weight
The guide also provides recommendations on choosing and packing schoolbags. Most importantly, a child’s backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 per cent of their body weight. Parents are advised to select bags with wide, padded shoulder straps and adequate back support.
The contents should be organised using the bag’s different compartments, with heavier items placed close to the child’s back and around the middle of the bag. Parents are also encouraged to check the contents with their children once a week, removing unnecessary items to help keep the overall weight down.
Children should use both shoulder straps instead of carrying the bag on one shoulder, which can put additional strain on muscles and lead to discomfort. The bag should also be adjusted so that its lower edge sits around the child’s waist.
What should go in a school lunch bag?
The guide also highlights the importance of balanced school meals. Parents are encouraged to pack a variety of foods from different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods and dairy products, to provide children with balanced nutrition and sustained energy throughout the school day.
The guide also stresses the importance of keeping children well hydrated, particularly during the summer months. Water helps regulate body temperature, supports circulation and aids digestion, and should be the main drink children consume throughout the school day.
Parents are advised to avoid or limit sugary beverages, including soft drinks, sweetened juices and energy drinks, as much as possible.
The guide recommends several healthy snack options that parents can pack, including sliced fresh fruit, vegetable sticks with hummus, yoghurt with granola and unsalted nuts. Sugary and highly processed snacks should be limited, with fresh and minimally processed foods prioritised whenever possible.
Everything you need to know about school health
Five essential rules for a healthy and safe return to school
As the new academic year begins, preparing children for school involves more than buying uniforms and supplies. Families should also focus on getting children physically, mentally and emotionally ready for a healthy, safe and successful start to the school year.
Experts say that adopting a few simple daily habits can help improve students’ concentration and energy levels while reducing common health issues associated with returning to school.
Parents are encouraged to focus on five essential habits:
1. Healthy and balanced nutrition
Children should start the day with a nutritious, balanced breakfast and have access to a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein-rich foods. Parents should limit foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats, as well as sweetened beverages, while encouraging children to drink enough water throughout the day.
2. Establishing a healthy sleep routine
A consistent sleep schedule is essential for children’s physical and mental wellbeing. Parents should gradually adjust bedtime and wake-up times to match school schedules, ensuring children get the recommended amount of sleep for their age.
Regular and sufficient sleep can improve concentration, memory, mood and academic performance. Parents are therefore advised to maintain consistent bedtimes and wake-up times and gradually adjust children’s sleep schedules in the days leading up to school and during the initial days of the new term. Electronic devices should also be avoided before bedtime.
3. Limiting excessive screen time
Parents should set clear boundaries for the use of computers, tablets and mobile phones, particularly outside study hours. Children should be encouraged to take regular breaks from screens and spend time on physical exercise and social activities. Prolonged and uninterrupted periods of device use should be avoided.
4. Monitoring schoolbag weight
Parents should ensure that schoolbags are appropriately sized and not overloaded. A backpack should generally weigh no more than 10 to 20 per cent of the child’s body weight. Children should also be encouraged to carry their bags correctly using both shoulder straps to reduce strain on the back and shoulders.
Parents should regularly check schoolbags and remove unnecessary books, stationery and other items, ensuring children carry only what they need for the day. Keeping the bag light can help reduce unnecessary strain on the back and shoulders.
The schoolbag should also be suitable for the child’s size and body shape and worn correctly, with both shoulder straps used to distribute the weight evenly.
5. Paying attention to the school lunch bag
A child’s lunch bag plays an important role in supporting their health and energy throughout the school day. Parents should regularly check what children are taking to school and provide nutritious, varied and easy-to-eat meals and snacks.
Foods and drinks high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats should be limited, with healthier options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods and dairy products given priority.
Parents should also pay close attention to food safety, proper storage and the cleanliness of both the lunch bag and the child’s water bottle.
Following these five essential rules can help families create a healthier environment and make the transition back to school smoother for children. By supporting healthy eating, adequate sleep, responsible screen use, proper schoolbag habits and nutritious lunches, parents can help children stay focused, active and ready to learn throughout the school year.
Together, these simple steps can make the return to school a healthier and more positive start to a successful academic year.
