School Health and Safety Tips to Teach Your Kids

By Brandi Goodman 

The school year may seem like it will be coming to an end soon, but there's still lots of class days left for the school season. With panic set in around the globe about a spreading virus, now is as good a time as any to teach your children about school safety. This includes health concerns, but also so much more.

Wash Your Hands Often

Inform your children about the need for hand washing. They come in close contact with a lot of other people -- students and teachers alike. Germs can spread quickly in this atmosphere. You need to tell your kids how important it is that they wash their hands regularly throughout the school day. When they touch doors often touched by others, when they put their hand on the water fountain, when they touch counters, eat in the cafeteria, and play on the playground, they should always be washing their hands afterwards. Have them carry mini bottles of hand sanitizer with them if they can't get to the sink as often as needed.

Carry Your Backpack Correctly

A backpack can be a concern for students as well. Carrying it with just one strap over a shoulder can put unnecessary strain on the neck and back. You need to be sure your child is wearing their backpack correctly. Both shoulder straps should be utilized so the weight is distributed across the back and shoulders evenly. This can help to prevent pain. Also inform them that carrying too much can do harm.

Avoid Necklaces and Drawstring Jackets

Younger students get to play on the playground. Older students may be involved in sports. No matter the age, it is advised that all children and teens avoid wearing necklaces and drawstring jackets. It can be easy for these things to get caught around playground equipment or get in the way while playing a sport. They're a strangulation hazard.

Stick to the Sidewalk

Some kids are allowed to walk or ride their bikes to school. This is fine if you live close, but there should always be rules to consider. For instance, tell your kids how important it is to stick to the sidewalk. Walking in the street, especially in darker morning hours, can result in an accident. 

School safety and health should be a concern for all parents, students, and teachers alike. Do your best to inform your children about how to stay safe and well while at school. It can prevent a lot of problems now and in the future as they take these lessons into life.

To lean more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wilmington, N.C.

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