Johns Hopkins experts share tips to protect children who return to school

Children across the country are returning to school, a time of year that can bring a variety of emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. However, this school year has an added layer of uncertainty in the midst of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, so it is important to take precautions to combat the spread of the disease in the classroom, especially since the highly contagious delta variant is circulating.

Experts at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (JHCC) recommend the following:‘, sans serif “>

• Children 12 and older should be vaccinated against COVID-19.‘, sans serif “>
• Students should wear a mask with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric.‘, sans serif “>
• Masks should fit snugly, covering the nose and mouth.‘, sans serif “>

The The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend masking for all K-12 students, even those who are fully immunized. ‘, sans serif “>‘, sans serif “>

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and wearing a face mask are the two most important strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in schools and for children to learn safely in person. Wearing the mask can also prevent the spread of other viruses that could cause them to miss school. ” ‘, sans serif “>‘, sans serif “>‘, sans serif “>

Kate Connor, MD, MSPH, Pediatrician JHCC, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Connor recommends that pStudents do not check with their child’s school for mandatory safety measures related to COVID-19. However, she strongly encourages parents to send their children to school in masks, even if it is not compulsory. ‘, sans serif “>‘, sans serif “>

In addition to making sure children are physically protected against COVID-19, parents may have to deal with some stress related to the pandemic and not just the usual back-to-school nervousness. JHCC experts suggest talking calmly with the children about what to expect when they return and highlighting the precautions that will be in place to keep them safe. ‘, sans serif “>

Experts also recommend that parents monitor their children’s emotional behavior by asking simple questions such as “How do you feel about going back to school?” ” ‘, sans serif “>

“Like most big changes in routine, going back to school in person could take some time for children to adjust,” says child psychologist JHCC Andrea Young, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “So if the kids seem a little overwhelmed or more reserved than usual, check in with them on their thoughts and feelings.” ‘, sans serif “>‘, sans serif “>

Young adds that if parents notice any persistent worsening or irritability, anxiety or sadness, they should see their child’s pediatrician or mental health expert.

“It is also important that parents are aware of their own anxiety about going back to school, so that they do not pass it on to their children,” she says.

To ease the transition into the school year, Connor and Young recommend gradually shifting children’s bedtime 10 minutes earlier each night of the week before school starts. This way, they will be well rested and can get up earlier.

Finally, JHCC experts say parents should check with their child’s pediatrician to make sure routine vaccinations – including those required to attend classes – are up to date and annual checkups have been done before the start. Back to School.

“The last year and a half of the pandemic has caused a wave of emotions for parents and children,” said Connor. “Going back to school in person is essential for the health, education and general well-being of students, so we need to prepare them as much as possible for a safe return to class.”