Life is difficult for both parents and their children these days as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Although returning children to school is an important and desirable step in this process, there may be many question marks in your and your children’s minds. Below, I have tried to gather up-to-date information about what awaits you in this process and how you can support your child.

When and how will schools open?

We are going through a difficult period and countries around the world are responding to this crisis in different ways. Each country is at a different stage in how and when to open schools. The final decision on this issue will be made by the central governments in consultation with the local authorities. When making this decision, it should take into account factors such as public health, education, etc. and take into account the advantages and risks of opening schools. While making these decisions, the most up-to-date scientific evidence should be used and the best interests of the child should be prioritized. But all this will differ from school to school.

Is it safe for my child to go back to school?

Schools should only be opened after they have become safe for students. The order in schools to be opened in such a period will be slightly different from the order you were used to before. In this context, schools may be opened for a certain period of time and temporarily closed again depending on the situation. Competent authorities will need to be flexible and adaptable to ensure the safety of each child, as new developments may occur on an ongoing basis. Official authorities in your area may not yet have made a decision to reopen schools. However, it is vital that detailed plans are already made so that students, teachers and other employees can be safe when they return to school and parents can send their children to school with peace of mind.

What measures can schools take to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus?

As schools reopen, each country must define a strategy consistent with the overall COVID-19 health strategy to protect students, employees, teachers and families.

At this point, some of the measures that schools can take can be listed as follows:

• Gradation of course start and end times
• Staging of meal times
• Moving classrooms to temporary or open spaces
• Going to school alternately to reduce the class size

Water and sanitation facilities will play a crucial role in the safe reopening of schools. School administrations should explore new methods for increasing hygiene measures and safely preparing food, including hand washing, respiratory hygiene (coughing or sneezing into the elbow), social distancing and disinfecting buildings. Administrative staff and teachers should be trained in social distancing and school hygiene practices.

What questions should I ask my child’s teacher or school administrator?

In such crisis situations, many questions may accumulate in our minds. The following questions are examples of some of them:

What steps has the school taken to ensure the safety of children?

• How will the school support students to protect their mental health and combat prejudice against students suffering from illness?
• How will the school direct children who need special support?

Will the school’s security and anti-bullying policies change when schools reopen?

• How can I support the school’s work on security through networks such as parent meetings etc.?

What should I do if my child misses classes?

Students around the world have shown how eager they are to continue going to school. With the support of their teachers and families, they were able to continue their lessons under difficult conditions.

But when schools reopen, children will need more support to make up for the lessons they left behind.

Many schools plan to offer make-up lessons so that students do not fall behind in classes. Accordingly, refresher or supplementary courses can be given at the beginning of the semester, after-school programs can be organized or additional homework can be given. School administrations may not open all classes full-time. In such a case, schools may prefer to apply both classroom and distance education (through homework, radio, TV or online education) together within the scope of the “blended learning” model.

At this point, you should support your child more at home by establishing a order for school and homework. This method will help your children when they feel uneasy and have difficulty focusing. You can also contact your child’s teacher or school for information.

If your child has lost a family member as a result of the outbreak, they may be feeling sad or worrying more than usual. In such a case, do not forget to inform your child’s teacher or school.

What should I do if my child is having trouble getting back to school?

Your child may be trying to cope with the stress of the ongoing crisis in a different way. Therefore, you should create a supportive and protective environment and give positive answers to their questions and the way they express their feelings. You should support your child and tell them that it is normal for them to feel anxious and anxious at such times.

Support your children to maintain the order they are used to and try to make everyday activities such as cooking, reading books as a family, and playing games fun. You can come together with other parents who have experienced the same things as you, share experiences, support each other, or join family or community groups.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ömür Hiçdönmez

GAMA Holding Workplace Physician