You might not know it, but there are places and things in your child’s school that can be home to thousands of harmful viruses and bacteria. Here are some of them:
- School Supplies. Kids borrow and lend crayons and pencils, so your child’s supplies may have passed through many hands. Desk tops are a haven for germs as well.
What to do: Encourage your child to clean his desk at least once a week. Teach him to throw used tissue immediately instead of keeping it inside his desk. Give him his own set of school supplies to prevent him from borrowing from his classmates. Usually, the community sharpener harbors the most bacteria, so you might want to give your child mechanical pencils to use.
- Public drinking fountains. School fountains are very, very germy! A square inch on the spigot can contain up to 2.7 million bacteria.
What to do: Give your child his very own water jug, or include fruit juices in his lunch box.
- Playgrounds. Children can easily spread bacteria and viruses around a playground. They tend to touch their noses and mouths often, and they usually play in groups.
What to do: Keep alcohol wipes or sanitizers in your child’s bag. Remind him to clean his hands frequently.
- Canteen. There are many factors that make eating at the canteen unsanitary. The dishes, utensils and tables may not be 100% clean all the time. It doesn’t help that kids bite off the same food, or if they don’t wash their hands before and after eating.
What to do: Prepare your child’s own baon and include clean utensils. Encourage him to share slices instead of bites. Remind him to wash his hands properly before and after eating.
- Bathroom. Bathroom faucets, soap and tissue dispensers, toilet bowls and floors are teeming with bacteria. This is especially true for school bathrooms, where a number of students, teachers and staff use the facilities every day.
What to do: Regularly remind your child to wash his hands after using the bathroom. Ask him to use a wad of tissue to turn off the faucet or to turn the doorknob on his way out. Bags should not be placed on the bathroom floor, but hanged.
You can’t be around your child 24 hours. But now that you know these hot spots for germs, you can help your child protect himself. Remember, though, that your child doesn’t have to be super scared of being dirty. If he has a solid immunity foundation, you won’t be too worried if he’s not following your reminders to the letter. Just make sure you give him a balanced diet, moderate exercise, ample rest and the right vitamins.