Why a “splash and dash” is almost pointless
Most people don’t wash their hands properly – making it all the more important that children are taught effective hand hygiene techniques according to a recent television and website report by KVUE-TV in the United States.
KVUE reporter Cori Coffin stated that many would be surprised by the amount of time it takes to wash hands properly – whilst emphasising the importance of the right techniques.
Adults’ bad habits
The half-hearted and almost pointless attempts at hand washing by many adults (referred to as a “splash and dash”) are inevitably passed on to children – a situation that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Ms Coffin in the video report is shown with a class of youngsters in a class at Esquelita Del Alma, in order to ascertain how well they were washing their hands.
Children tell about their hand washing experiences in the report, which also reveals that cleanliness rates varied between 50 and 70%, depending on how well they had individually washed them.
The benefits for children of learning good hand washing techniques are clear says the report.
“Hand-washing with soap and water is the number one way to keep kids from getting sick.”
Soap and water are key weapons in the war against illness of course – but also against the struggle against increasingly antibiotic resistant bacteria says the article, which quotes Dr. Goddy Corpuz of Baylor Scott & White as saying
“…soap and water are still the best defense against bacteria that has mutated over time to be immune to antibiotics.”
Read more: Hand-washing: Chances are, you’re doing it wrong »
Teach hand washing in preschool
Hand washing is the most important lesson a child can learn at a preschool or EYFS facility – and acquiring it is an essential lifelong skill.
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands inside or out.
Free EYFS worksheets based around hand washing for children »
