Blog, Schools and nurseries
Shocking report reveals that 84 percent of children don’t wash their hands properly!
Jul
It’s crucial to help spread the spread of illnesses
A study carried out in New Zealand by Dettol provides some real food for thought – that as many as 84 percent of children between three and six years of age “don’t wash their hands properly”, according to a recent report on the Stuff website.
This sobering statistic, first published in the The House of Wellness magazine reports that not only do children of this age not wash properly (often not washing for the recommended 20 seconds duration), only a third actually use soap as part of the process.
Why hand washing is so important
The effective washing of hands is described as “crucial for preventing the spread of germs and illnesses”. It is a widely held belief that hand washing is actually the most important lesson a young child can learn – it is after all, a vital lifelong skill.
It helps prevent the spreads of all sorts of illnesses; examples given include flu, colds and “more serious diseases”. And it also helps to prevent sick days and a loss of vital education for all those within the school community.
“Proper hand hygiene is especially important for children, who are often in close contact with each other and touch their faces frequently.”
The report draws attention to an initiative that makes hand washing an engaging and enjoyable activity for youngsters, whilst giving them an important understanding of how and why they should be washing.
Popular children’s entertainers The Wiggles have produced a video featuring a song Wash like the Wiggles.
In the UK, the NHS advises in its How to wash your hands guidance
“Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects, which can spread illnesses such as food poisoning, flu or diarrhoea.”
New research reveals 84% of children don’t wash their hands properly »
Hand wash units for younger children – place them wherever they’re needed!
Teal produces portable hand washing sinks that are idea for preschool and nursery childrenincluding the KiddiSynk and KiddiWash, which can be used equally effectively indoor or out.
The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, HandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.
How to choose the correct mobile sink »
Teal’s New Zealand and Australia distributor »
Teal’s representative for New Zealand and Australia is Transplumb, supplier of portable sinks, basins and hand washing stations.