UAE back-to-school health guide: Rules on sleep, screen time, schoolbags and nutrition

The Ministry of Education in Abu Dhabi has published a "Healthy Back-to-School Guide 2026-2027" to assist students and parents in establishing healthy routines as they return to school. The guide emphasizes key health indicators such as proper sleep, screen time management, schoolbag weight, and nutrition.

A schoolbag should weigh no more than 10–20 percent of a child's body weight. It should be carried using both shoulder straps and adjusted so the lower section rests around the child's waist. Parents are advised to choose a bag with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back to evenly distribute the weight.

Screen time should be reduced by 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, as excessive screen use can interfere with falling asleep. Children aged 3-5 need 10-13 hours of sleep, while those aged 6-12 require 9-12 hours, and adolescents aged 13-18 should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

Engaging in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily is recommended, which can be distributed across different times of the day. This helps reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and support overall well-being.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in students' health. The guide encourages the inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and lean meats in school lunches. Water should be the primary beverage, while sugary drinks and snacks should be limited. Healthy snack options include sliced fruit, vegetable sticks with hummus, yoghurt with granola, and unsalted nuts.