Child wearing a yellow school bag when crossing the road on his way to school
The end of summer can be a bittersweet time for kids, but it’s also a time of excitement and anticipation. Back to school means seeing old friends and making new ones. You have to learn a lot, change and grow. But there are also risks.
Parents have a vital role to play in ensuring that their children return to school in good health. As a public health expert, here’s what I’d urge parents to keep in mind at this important time of year.
Be careful about your child’s health. Make sure their vaccines are up to date contemporaryand be prepared to tell the school about allergies, chronic conditions or other medical needs. There’s a reason all 50 states and the District of Columbia require certain vaccinations for children in public school—without them, communities would be vulnerable to diseases that were once widely and rightfully feared. For example, because of vaccination, mumps, measles and rubella are not the killers they used to be. Vaccines are safe and effective, but misinformation is on the rise. If you have questions, consult your doctor or your child’s pediatrician.
Be aware of environmental hazards. We may be past the peak of summer, but extreme heat remains a health threat many parts of the country. The Public Health Communications Cooperative has tips to keep you and your family safe by staying cool and hydrated.
This is probably something you don’t think about, but you should also ask about the air quality at your child’s school. If the building does not have windows that open or a modern air conditioning system, the risk of airborne contamination with influenza, COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses will be higher. (estimated 41% of regions in the country must update or replace HVAC systems in at least half of their schools.) This poses a particular risk to students because, according to Environmental Protection Servicechildren are more susceptible to environmental exposures and respiratory diseases because they breathe more air in proportion to their body weight than adults.
Be smart – and realistic – about the top risks facing children today. Gun violence is a terrible and scary topic, but if you’re a parent, you can’t avoid it, as evidenced by the recent hunting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. The weapons are the leading cause of death for US children ages 1 to 17, and the firearm death rate for children is on the rise. The number of school shootings in the 2023-24 school year was 31% higher compared to the previous year, even though gun violence is down overall, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. And the tragedy in Apalachee was the 45th school shooting in 2024.
What can a parent do? Educate yourself. Don’t seek false comfort in thinking “it can’t happen here” – because it can. The non-profit gun safety group Sandy Hook Promise has good advice in teaching children to recognize the warning signs of violence and to strengthen relationships with their peers. Also make sure you and your children are familiar with the school safety planso they will know what to do if the worst happens.
Pay attention to mental health challenges. Each new school year is an adjustment, with emotional challenges for both parents and students. Talk to family members about their feelings and make sure your children know who to turn to if anxiety and stress threaten to become overwhelming. Parents of young children should be especially careful recognize and ease the concerns and fears of the child returning to school.
Establish healthy habits. Summer can disrupt many family routines, and the start of the school year is a good time to reestablish healthy habits, including regular bedtimes and good nutrition. Proper nutrition and rest bring enormous benefits to the body and mind of young people.
Sick days happen — so plan for them and do your best to prevent them. The hygiene measures we learned in the pandemic — especially hand washing and covering your cough — are still smart habits to learn and practice. Also, prepare for inevitable sick days. For the health of your child, their school and your community, you should keep them home when they are sick. For many families, this is easier said than done, because approx 34 million working Americans do not have access to paid sick leave. If you can’t take time off work, make plans for someone to provide the supervision and support you need.
Preparing for the school year is more than just making sure your child is ready for the classroom. it’s about making sure they and their peers can learn and thrive in a healthy environment. By focusing on community health, we create a safer, more inclusive and resilient space where everyone — students, teachers and families — benefits.
