As we approach the school year, a lot of families are deciding if they should send their children back to school, especially now as COVID-19 cases are rising.
It's been over three months since kids were learning in a classroom setting. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics says children need to get back to school as soon as possible.
“I think it is pretty important for kids to have that socialization and have a normal circumstance for learning,” said Dr. Jesse Parr, a pediatrician at Texas Children's Pediatrics University Pediatric Association.
With the disruption of the past school year, pediatricians are seeing negative changes in many areas in children.
"Decreased learning, stress on the family. A lot of kids didn't get a lot of physical activity either. They didn't have P.E. classes, didn't have spring sports, didn't have recess playing with other kids," said Dr. Parr.
With Texas seeing a spike in cases, some parents are concerned about sending their children back to school. However, others have no reservations.
“For me, I am all for kids going back to school. I think it's important for their social development and for their overall well being to be in school,” said mother of two Briana Booker.
Pediatric medicine notes that during the pandemic, children ages 1 to 14 are least likely to attract COVID-19. Some families are taking measures to strengthen their kid's immune systems for when they do return to school.
“We do a lot of preventative measures as far as making sure they eat really healthy and get lots of sleep,” said Booker.
While school districts now have resources for remote learning, getting students back in the classroom will allow for equal opportunity for all kids in our communities.
Health professionals say practicing proper social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting as often as possible, and using outdoor spaces whenever possible would allow for a successful school year.
