Turkey school season brings health advice and rising costs

As the new academic year approaches in Turkey, families are facing both health preparation challenges and significant economic pressures.

Pediatric respiratory specialist Prof. Dr. Erkan Çakır advises parents to readjust children's sleep schedules and nutrition before school starts. He emphasizes that summer habits, such as irregular sleep and increased screen time, can negatively impact academic success and focus. He recommends establishing a routine where children sleep between 21:30 and 22:00 and limiting sugary or high-carb foods to support immunity and growth.

Simultaneously, parents are struggling with the rising costs of school essentials. Reports indicate sharp price increases for stationery, uniforms, and books. For example, some parents noted that school uniforms and basic stationery supplies now cost several times more than in previous years, with some school bags and book sets reaching thousands of liras. This inflation has led to decreased foot traffic in traditional stationery shops as families face a 'living nightmare' regarding educational expenses.