Back to school: from sleep to vaccines – the experts’ guide is here

“These are simple habits, but they are important for health,” notes Villani. “Consistent daily routines help to establish lifestyles that support the child as they grow.”

Physical activity should also become part of our daily lives again, not just through organised sport, but also through opportunities for spontaneous movement: walking, using the stairs and keeping active every day.

The return to school puts pupils’ sight, hearing, concentration, learning and ability to adapt to new routines to the test. In the first few weeks, therefore, difficulties that had previously been difficult to spot – such as visual impairments, hearing problems or attention issues – may become more apparent. Teachers also play an important role in this process, as they observe the child on a daily basis whilst reading, writing, listening and interacting with their peers.

“Teachers’ observations, together with those of parents, can provide the paediatrician with useful information to help determine whether a change is part of normal adaptation or whether it requires further investigation,” explains Villani.

In most cases, it takes a few days for children to readjust to the school routine. However, if the changes persist beyond the first week or seem to be getting worse, it is advisable to speak to your paediatrician. Rather than focusing on individual symptoms, it is important to look out for anything that deviates significantly from the child’s normal habits: loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, difficulty moving, reduced concentration or a decline in academic performance, or significant changes in mood or behaviour.

“There is no single list of symptoms that applies to everyone,” explains Villani. “It is important to pay attention to any changes from that child’s usual behaviour, without causing undue alarm.”

For children starting primary school, the start of the new term can also be an opportunity to check that they have had their routine health checks. Among these, an eye test is particularly important: school requires constant visual effort, from reading the blackboard to classroom activities. “An assessment before the start of the school year, especially for children starting Year 1, is a good opportunity for prevention,” says Villani.

In September, it is also a good idea to check that your vaccination schedule is up to date and to book your flu jab in good time, where recommended. As schools reopen, opportunities for contact increase, as does the spread of respiratory infections. For younger children, guidance on protection against respiratory syncytial virus should also be followed, where applicable.

For children and adolescents with chronic conditions, these precautions are even more important: returning to school must be accompanied by strict adherence to the vaccination programme, which helps to reduce the risk of infections and related complications in the most vulnerable individuals.

Discussions between the family, the school and the paediatrician make it possible to interpret the changes observed in the first few weeks and to distinguish between normal adjustment and any situations that require further investigation.

“Most children cope with going back to school without any particular difficulties,” concludes Prof. Villani. “The aim is not to look for illnesses, but to reinforce healthy lifestyles and identify any problems at an early stage. Going back to school can therefore be an opportunity for health education.”

Get back into a regular sleep routine at least 5–7 days before school starts.

Ensure that children get an age-appropriate amount of sleep by limiting the use of smartphones, tablets and video games in the evening.

Eat a proper breakfast every morning, and avoid leaving the house on an empty stomach.

Make sure you allow enough time for a regular bowel movement before going to school.

Take care of your personal and oral hygiene.

Be active every day, even through spontaneous activities such as walking and taking the stairs.

Check that your vaccinations are up to date and, where advised, arrange for a flu jab.

Consult your paediatrician if changes in behaviour, appetite, sleep or school performance persist beyond the normal adjustment period.