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Back to School

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.

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Last updated: August 2024

As summer draws to a close, it is time to get the kids ready for a new school year. For many families, the transition can be challenging. There is plenty you can do to help your child adjust and stay safe and healthy at any stage. Make sure that your child practices healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating, keeping physically active and getting enough sleep. Keep up regular visits to their health care providers and ensure immunizations are up-to-date. Check in with your child’s mental health and help your child manage the stress of new routines and social situations.

Learn how to help your child stay safe and learn healthy lifestyle habits this school year.

COVID-19 safe schools

For the 2024/2025 school year, students and staff are in the classroom full time. For more information, visit:

Featured topics

Bullying

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:

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. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine is offered to all students in grade 6. The meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine is offered to all students in grade 9. 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 beverage choices and meal and snack 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.

Physical activity

Physical activity is an important part of your child’s growth, development and overall health. Learn the types and amounts of physical activity children require each day and tips on how they can get and 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.

Getting enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for children of all ages. Learn about why this is important, how much sleep children need, tips for having a healthier sleep and why your child might not be sleeping well:

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:

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 carrying 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. Make time to talk openly and honestly with your children about complex issues such as substance use and overdose. To learn more about alcohol and drug use in young people, visit:

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 Schools BC

Healthy Schools BC is a partnership of organizations working together on healthy school initiatives. The website has a collection of healthy school information, stories and resources from across B.C. to help support the health and learning of students. The website features the Teach Food First toolkit. This toolkit can be used by educators to help teach their students about food, nutrition and Canada’s food guide: