Health experts advise on child wellness during back-to-school transition

As the summer holiday ends, health experts and educators are highlighting the physical and psychological challenges children face during the transition back to school. Key concerns include disrupted sleep patterns, weight gain, and changes in appetite.

In Taiwan, medical professionals warn that childhood obesity poses long-term risks, including increased chances of adult chronic diseases and difficulty losing weight later in life due to permanent changes in fat cell counts. Experts recommend the ‘85210’ rule: 8 hours of sleep, 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, less than 2 hours of screen time, 1 hour of exercise, and 0 sugary drinks.

Psychologists and nutritionists also note that sudden changes in appetite or lethargy can be signs of underlying stress or digestive issues. To mitigate these effects, experts suggest implementing gradual sleep transitions, increasing physical activity to replace screen time, and providing emotional support to help children manage the shift from summer freedom to structured school routines.