Kleenex Tissues have today kicked off the 2012 Sneezesafe campaign. Now in its third year, Sneezesafe is a school program designed to help children learn basic respiratory hygiene in the classroom and at home.
In 2011 the program reached 23% of all Australian primary and pre-schools - the equivalent of 241,406 students nationally. Through engaging lessons and games, the simple ‘Catch It, Bin It, Kill It’ slogan was successfully used to help kids understand how to minimise the spread of germs through good hygiene and tissue use.
Dr John D’Arcy, family physician and medical editor for the Seven Network’s ‘Sunrise’ program, is a supporter of the Sneezesafe program.
“As a GP and a father of four myself, I understand the impact that colds, flu and their subsequent absences from school can have on a family. Engaging children in a fun program like Sneezesafe gives them the tools to form more hygienichabits and is a step towards a healthier and happier home and classroom”.
Research conducted by Sneezesafe found that nine out of 10 pre and primary school children wipe their nose on their clothing and hands rather than tissues, helping to facilitate the spread of germs. The research also revealed
- The average child in pre-school and primary school misses 4.3 days of school as a result of colds and flu each year
- For children who always wipe their nose on hands and clothing, this figure increases to six days of school missed annually
- 82 per cent of parents believe that their children pick up most of the germs that can cause colds or flu at school or pre-school
- Just 7 per cent of pre-school children carry tissues with them every day or most days
- Only 12 per cent of children in kindergarten – year 3 carry tissues with them every day or most days
The key message within the Sneezesafe program relates to a simple 1-2-3 technique for children to use to control the spread of germs and practice correct tissue use:
1 – Catch It – Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
2 – Bin It – Throw the tissue away afterwards
3 – Kill It – Wash your hands
Teachers of three to seven year olds are encouraged to register online. Participating schools will receive a pack where through a selection of games and interactive lessons designed by Australian teachers, the three-step mechanic comes to life in an engaging and educational manner. All content is compliant with current state specific curriculum.
Participating schools will also be sent a free sample of Kleenex Tissues for use in the classroom and Kleenex Tissue Pocket Packs for all students to carry with them.
Teacher are also encouraged to download the Sneezesafe resources, including three engaging lesson plans, interactive games and activities, certificates, sticker sheets and posters from the program website.
For further information, visit:
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