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Back to School

Whether your child is starting school for the first time or getting ready to graduate it is important that they stay safe and create healthy habits.

Back to School

It’s time for kids to head back to school. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or getting ready to graduate it is important that they stay safe and create healthy habits. As a parent or guardian, you can make sure that your child gets their immunizations on time, practices healthy eating and lifestyle habits, gets enough sleep, regularly visits their health care providers, and gets back into their regular school routine.

Learn what you can do to help your child stay safe and learn healthy lifestyle habits this school year.

Featured Topics

Bullying

Bullying can happen in all kinds of situations. It can be physical, verbal, social, or even happen online. Learn about bullying, including how to know if your child is being bullied or is bullying.

Childhood Immunizations

Getting your child immunized can help save lives. Immunizations help your immune system recognize and quickly kill bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness or death. Learn about the routine immunizations offered in B.C.

Healthy Eating

Creating healthy eating habits from an early age is an important part of your child’s growth and development. Learn about healthy eating, including healthy snack and meal ideas.

For additional healthy eating information or advice you can also call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered dietitian or Email a HealthLinkBC Dietitian.

Getting Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for children of all ages. Get tips on how to create a bed time routine, why your child might not be sleeping well, and why it is important to get enough sleep.

Managing Health Concerns at School

If your child has health concerns such as asthma, allergies or diabetes, it is important that you make a plan for the time they are at school.

Mental Health

Mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender or ethnicity. Learn about mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and what to do if you or someone you know needs help.

Physical Activity

Making sure that your child gets enough physical activity is an important part of their growth and development. Learn how much exercise children require each day and get tips on how to stay active.

For more physical activity information or advice you can also call 8-1-1 to speak with a qualified exercise professional or Email Physical Activity Services

Routine Checkups

As your child grows, it is important that they get regular checkups with their family doctor or nurse practitioner, eye doctor, and dentist. Learn what routine health checkups your child should have.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Get information about sexual and reproductive health, such as how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control options, and more.

Starting a New School

Starting a new school can be scary. In some children, it can cause stress or anxiety as they struggle to fit in, make new friends, and create a new routine. Get tips on how to help your child transition into a new school, develop social skills and self-esteem, and deal with stress.

Staying Safe

Whether your child is playing at the playground, walking to school, or trying to properly use a backpack, their safety is important. Learn how to help keep your child safe.

Substance Use

The childhood and teenage years are when children experience and try new things. While most of these experiences can be positive, some may be risky or unsafe. Learn about alcohol and drug use in young people and why it is important to make time to talk openly and honestly with your children about complex issues such as substance use and overdose.

Your Health Authority

Get school related health information from your health authority.

Useful Websites

ERASE Bullying

ERASE Bullying (Expect Respect and A Safe Education) is a Ministry of Education website that provides information about bullying, as well as information directed towards parents and youth. Visit their website to learn more.

Healthy Families BC

The Healthy Families BC website encourages families to work together to create healthier lives, schools, communities and workplaces for all British Columbians. The website provides practical tips on health and learning, healthy eating and healthy lifestyle choices.

Healthy Schools BC

Healthy Schools partners with the community, the health sector, and the education sector to support students to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Programs and supports include active living, healthy relationships, healthy eating, and healthy practices. Visit their website to learn more.

Last Reviewed: August 2017

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control