IAP Kerala comes out with guidelines for students, parents and schools

As a new academic year began in Kerala, the State branch of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) has come out with a set of guidelines for students, parents, and teachers.

The IAP functionaries said that parents should ensure their children receive mandatory vaccinations on time. Students showing symptoms such as fever, cold, or cough should not be sent to school. Parents should also ensure that students have fully recovered before returning to classes. Since waterborne diseases can spread during the monsoon season, students should be given only boiled and cooled water. Besides, parents need to make sure their children have breakfast on time and are provided with homemade, nutritious food for lunch and snacks.

School bags should not be too heavy, as carrying heavy bags may affect the health of children’s spinal cords and joints, leading to long-term problems. The weight of the school bag should not exceed 10% to 15% of the student’s body weight. Parents are advised to speak with school authorities to ensure the availability of safe drinking water on the campus. The washrooms in schools should also be hygienic and clean.

Students should be made aware of traffic laws and road safety. They must cross roads only at zebra crossings and should not play near the roadside. Students should avoid sticking their heads or hands out of moving vehicles. Both the school authorities and parents should check the fitness certificates of school vehicles. The background of the vehicle drivers and their assistants should be examined, and it must be ensured that they are properly trained.

The school authorities and parents should create awareness about substance abuse among students. Proper guidance and treatment should be provided if there are any changes in their behaviour or character. Some students admitted to new schools may experience tension or stress, and steps should be taken to address their concerns. Parents should keep the house premises clean and prevent water stagnation.

Published - June 02, 2025 11:28 pm IST