LET’S REIMAGINE “SCHOOL ZONES”
what is a SCHOOL ZONE?
Definition: “40km/h school zones help protect children on their way to and from schools at the times and places where they are often in high numbers. This lower speed limit reduces the risk and potential severity of a crash”
- NSW Government, 2023.
It’s that time of year again: school zones are back in swing, and our youth are back in fresh uniforms, ready for another year of learning.
A new year, a clean slate, a chance to learn, grow and flourish.
Flourishing doesn’t just happen on its own. It requires foundational basics, and while our governments enforce school zones to protect our youth from death, we too must implement our own “school zones” (rituals, habits and boundaries) that protect their minds and bodies.
Here are a few that I believe are fundamental:
Sleep is paramount. Sleep is essential for them to rest, grow & heal. The rise of technology has interfered with precious sleep time, and individuals need this to perform at higher cognitive levels every day. It has also completely hindered their circadian rhythm. Remove technology from their rooms at night and prompt them to wake naturally with the sun. This may take time to adjust to; however, it is better for their development.
Movement is essential. For the youth to have proper blood flow to the brain and for their bodies to grow, they need to move purposefully and playfully. Walking, sport and general movement after school each day will help. Remember that they sit for extended periods at school, which is an issue in itself; therefore, they need to move. Their short recess and lunch breaks are not enough time for play!
Nutrition is everything. Mental health and academic performance largely depend on what an individual eats. To support their cognition and overall physical and psychological health, they need Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids found in proteins and fats. The youth are sadly nutrient deficient and…. You can read more about this here: https://www.biobodybybridget.com/knowledge-centre/cognition-7hjfh
Screen time needs to be minimised. It is best to keep youth away from screens as entertainment after school. The increase in screen time is alarming. Most schools are now BYOD, which means your child’s exposure to blue light has nearly doubled. Today's youth are also the most Wi-Fi- and 5G-exposed generation. Devices are no longer used just for education; they're used for enjoyment and entertainment, and this unfortunately means their screens consume them.
Connection and communication are key. Schools have an interesting way of speaking to the youth all day, rather than talking to them. Tap into a communication style that makes them feel they can connect with you while encouraging longer responses. Do this by reframing your questions from “How was school?” (we know there is a usual one-word response that comes with this question) to “I know you had xxxx on today; can you tell me how that went and what occurred?” “I can sense you're not yourself today; is there something you want to talk about now, or should I bring this up a little later when you are ready?, or “I can see on your timetable (or student notices) that this is taking place tomorrow; how do you feel about that? Is it something you would like to participate in?”
Routine and structure bring forth stability. Young children need routine and structure to stay regulated; without them, they find it challenging to stay on task. Creating a visual weekly schedule that integrates their learning intentions, social & family activities is a great way to keep them on track. Prompt them to use their learning planners or have a magnetic planner on the fridge.
I hope these fundamental rituals, habits and boundaries help.
“✌️, ❤️ & reimagined “school zones”.
In The Spirit of Learning & Health,”
