Health experts issue guidance for children returning to school

As the new academic year approaches, medical experts are issuing guidance to families regarding children's physical and psychological preparation for school.

Psychologists warn that school transitions can trigger anxiety, which may manifest as physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or nausea. Experts recommend that parents maintain calm, consistent routines and use short, reassuring goodbyes to ease separation anxiety. They also advise gradually adjusting sleep schedules and meal times before school begins.

Ophthalmologists highlight the importance of monitoring eye health, noting that increased screen time and classroom focus can reveal issues like myopia, astigmatism, or amblyopia. The ‘20-20-20 rule’—looking 6 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—is recommended to reduce eye strain. Proper lighting and maintaining appropriate distances from digital devices are also emphasized.

Pediatric specialists further stress the need for comprehensive health check-ups to address potential growth delays, nutritional deficiencies, or hearing and vision issues. Additionally, experts warn of increased respiratory infection risks, such as influenza and COVID-19, in crowded school environments, advising families to prioritize vaccinations, balanced nutrition, and hygiene.