Markets buzz with back-to-school supplies as New Year approaches

• For elementary and kindergarten students, costs typically range from 60 to 80 dinars, while for middle and high school students, they range from 120 to 200 dinars

• There is a significant increase in the cost of school bags and a high demand for educational electronics, such as the talking pen.

As the back-to-school season approaches and the new academic year begin, the country’s markets have become bustling with school supplies of all shapes and colors. With the summer commercial slump behind them, markets, libraries, and stationery stores are seeing a sales boost. Parents are spending a significant portion of their salaries to meet their children’s needs, from stationery to clothing, as reported by Al Rai newspaper.

With varying prices and qualities, the requirements for different educational stages differ. For elementary and kindergarten students, costs typically range from 60 to 80 dinars, while for middle and high school students, they range from 120 to 200 dinars. This is due to significant increases in the cost of school bags and a high demand for educational electronics, such as the talking pen.

The stationery needs vary by educational stage. Kindergarten students require colors, drawing materials, games, and pencils, with prices differing by location. For older students, the requirements include pens, calculators, engineering tools, exercise books, highlighters, dictionaries, and educational electronics like speaking translators.

School season burdens parents

Amid the family crowds in the markets preparing for the school season, Dr. Khaled Al-Mohannadi, psychological consultant, told Al-Rai newspaper that this season, with all its burdens, represents a problem for parents, especially those who have experienced deprivation. These parents often lavish their children with the best things to compensate for their own past hardships.

Al-Mohannadi noted that while buying the best items can be seen as an attempt at moral and economic refinement, it can also be a form of upbringing, where simplicity is sometimes more appropriate and respectful of others.

He revealed that his clinic has seen cases of children from low-income families studying alongside wealthier peers. In such situations, the economic strain on parents increases as they strive to prevent their children from feeling deprived or inferior.

Call to block symbols conflicting with customs on school supplies

Al-Mohannadi addressed the issue of symbols and letters on clothes, notebooks, and some school bags that contradict customs and religion. He stressed the need for the Ministry of Commerce to provide a comprehensive guide identifying symbols and abbreviations that conflict with our customs, morals, and religion, so these can be blocked from the outset, especially on items printed within Kuwait.

He also urged the Ministry of Commerce to conduct a monitoring campaign during this period to oversee clothing bearing such symbols.