Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser: Children are probably seeing and hearing a lot about Coronavirus (COVID-19) on TV, radio, and social media, as well as from other people. Talking to children about COVID-19 will help them understand and cope with what’s going on, especially when they are returning to school and interacting with teachers and friends. Click here to see our hygiene tips to help keep children safe. 

One of the best ways to help keep children safe is to simply encourage regular hand washing, social distancing and teaching them how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow. It’s important for children to understand how they can help protect themselves and their friends, especially if they are feeling unwell.

There are some fun ways to keep your children informed such as singing along with The Wiggles, or colouring in a picture to make it fun. We have created a colouring picture that they can enjoy while learning about practising good hygiene. To view the picture click here.

While the kids enjoy the colouring, we have put together some hygiene tips for you to help keep children safe!

Ensure children are aware and are practising the following hygiene tips as it’s easy to forget!

  • Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser,  For younger children, this may include a game by singing a song
  • Covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow or a tissue
  • Placing used tissues straight into the bin
  • Not touching their eyes nose, and mouth

It’s important to inform children to follow the below while they interact with others:

  • Keep a social distance of 1.5metres between themselves and others
  • Do not share items such as pencils, food or drinks
  • Do not shake hands, high five, hug or kiss as a greeting

Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser:

  • Before leaving home 
  • On arrival at any childcare or educational setting
  • Before and after breaks/sports activities
  • Before eating
  • After using the toilet
  • After coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose
  • After touching pets or other animals
  • After using a mobile phone (older children)