By Jane Marsh
Have you ever dropped your child off at school and wished you could follow them around for the day? It’s normal to wonder what happens and how they’re doing when you’re not around. They spend most of their time at school, so it’s important you ensure they’re safe and supported. Working with their school is the easiest and most effective way to protect their health.
Why Should Parents and Schools Work Together?
Parents and schools should work together for the benefit of children. They spend most of their time there, so their physical, social, emotional and societal wellbeing revolves around them. Imagine what your child could accomplish with so much extra support.
Even though students need a good environment to stay healthy, schools usually can’t make changes to benefit them. There are limited solutions because they must follow the state’s education guidelines.
Since they can’t make changes on their own, parents need to get involved. Your child’s health relies on positive interactions between you and their school, so it’s great you both want what’s best for your child.
They spend most of their time at school, so it’s important you ensure they’re safe and supported.
What Roles Do Schools Play In Student Health?
A child’s school has a significant impact on them. It determines their current health and lays the groundwork for future lifestyle choices. Everything from their assignments to the building itself affects them.
There are a few ways schools significantly affect student health:
- School lunches: Although there are nutritional guidelines schools must follow, the food they serve isn’t filling and needs more nutrients. Nearly 50% of trash schools produce comes from lunches students throw out. An improper lunch affects health and can even impact how well students perform academically.
- Air quality: Children are sensitive to air pollution because they’re still developing. Filters, ventilation and cleaning products determine indoor air quality. It’s directly tied to how well students perform in school and how healthy they stay.
- Physical activity: Younger children get multiple recesses, while older children can only take elective physical education courses. Physical activity is crucial for their development and physical wellbeing.
- Curriculum: Many children worry about their exams and the pressure to keep their grades up. Stressing about upcoming tests or staying up late to finish homework impacts a child’s mental and physical health.
Your child spends most of their time at school, so it should be a healthy environment. You do so much for them, so it’s okay to ask for support from their school. Many aspects of their education require attention and care to get better. Their wellbeing is foundational for their happiness and health, so schools must do their best.
