Find tips to support your child’s health and wellbeing as they transition from summer into a new school year.
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. Routine vaccines are free. Learn more about routine immunizations offered in B.C. for children and how to help them have a positive experience:
Find out which immunizations are recommended for children before starting school:
In grade 6, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is offered to all students.
In grade 9, the meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine is offered to all students.
Find out what steps your family can take to prevent illness and stay safe at school:
If your child has health concerns such as asthma, allergies or diabetes, it’s important that you make a plan for the time they are at school:
Bullying can happen in all kinds of situations. It can be physical, verbal, social, or online. Learn about bullying, including how to know if your child is being bullied or is bullying:
If your child is experiencing mental health challenges, help is available. Go to Help Starts Here (Government of B.C.) for listings of supports available in B.C.
Building healthy habits from an early age is an important part of your child’s growth and development.
Learn about nutritious beverage choices, options for packed lunches and snack ideas:
For additional healthy eating information or advice, you can call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered dietitian.
Physical activity is an important part of your child’s growth, development and overall health. Learn the types and amounts of physical activities children require each day and tips on how they can get and stay active:
For more physical activity information or advice, you can call 8-1-1 to speak with a qualified exercise professional or email Physical Activity Services.
Learn about why sleep is important for kids and tips to help them get the quality and amount of sleep they need:
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:
Young people are often more at risk from the harms of substances because their brains are still developing. As they gain more independence and their social circles expand, they may be exposed to potentially harmful substances or activities. Educate your child or teen so they can make informed, lower-risk choices.
Birth control (also known as contraception) helps prevent pregnancy. Many forms of contraception (including emergency contraception) are free in B.C. Present a prescription at a pharmacy or ask a pharmacist to prescribe.
Get school-related health information from your health authority:
Provides information to help youth, adults, and school staff build safe, caring and inclusive school communities.
A resource prepared by BC Children’s Hospital to help families adapt to their back-to-school routine.
Call toll-free in B.C., 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing to get personalized assistance. Speak to a navigator who can guide you to reliable health information or connect you with a health professional. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
