Updated on: 25 October 2025
Author Dr. Ritika Sharma –Nutrition Specialist – under the guidance of Fitnesinfo team
Elementary school children experience a period of high growth and development, both physical and mental. These are the tender years when they are taught how to act in society, elementary education, and how to contain emotions. Yet, it is as well a period when they are extremely susceptible to a number of health issues. Such concerns may not only impact their physical health but also their ability to learn and do well in school.
In this paper, the most prevalent health problems among the elementary school children, their causes, consequences, and a practical approach to prevent them by collaborating among parents, teachers, and health care providers will be discussed.
1. Digestive Problems
Among elementary schoolchildren, one of the most common health complaints is digestive problems. A lot of children fail to have a balanced meal, whether at home or at school. The school lunches usually include processed or canned foods, which are rich in fats, salts, and sugars but poor in essential nutrients.
Causes
- Eating junk or packaged food daily
- Lack of fiber and vitamins in the diet
- Drinking insufficient water
- Poor hygiene while eating
Common Digestive Problems
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Prevention and Care
In order to encourage children to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, parents and teachers must work together. Limiting sugar and cold beverages and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help prevent these problems.
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2. Mental Health Issues
The well-being of children is no less important than their physical well-being. At elementary schools there are also a number of pressures on the child in the form of academic requirements, social life, and, in some cases, stressful home environments. There may be anxiety or depression or even behavioral disorders due to these factors.
Common Mental Health Problems
- Anxiety and stress
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
Symptoms to Watch For
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Loss of interest in studies or play
- Difficulty concentrating
- Withdrawal from friends or family
Support and Solutions
The schools are supposed to create safe and conducive conditions in which the children are listened to and taken care of. Children can better cope with stress by communicating regularly with parents and teachers and taking up sessions of counseling on a need basis. Other effective tools that can be used to enhance mental health are activities such as art, music, and play therapy.
3. Viral Infections
Elementary schools are the places where children are in close contact with each other, and hence they are more susceptible to viral infections. Due to the fact that children have a weak immune system, they are prone to catching infections easily, either by coughing, sneezing, or direct contact.
Common Viral Illnesses
- Common cold and flu
- Viral fever
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
- Catarrh (inflammation of mucous membranes)
Prevention
- Teach proper handwashing techniques.
- Encourage children to use tissues or elbows while sneezing.
- Regularly sanitize classroom surfaces.
- Ensure proper ventilation in classrooms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In case a child has a long-lasting fever, sore throat, or skin rashes, the doctor should be seen immediately to avoid any complications and avoid infecting other children.
4. Skin Problems
Skin issues are also common among elementary school children due to their active nature and exposure to outdoor environments.
Common Skin Problems
- Rashes and allergies
- Fungal infections
- Warts and eczema
- Itching due to insect bites or poor hygiene
Causes
- Sweating during playtime
- Sharing towels, clothes, or combs
- Allergies from food or the environment
Prevention and Care
The children should be educated about personal hygiene, such as bathing and putting on clean clothes on a daily basis. Schools ought to take care of the cleanliness and dustiness of the playgrounds and the classrooms. Random home remedies should not be employed in case of persistent rashes, but medical advice should be sought.
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5. Vision Problems
Learning, reading, and classroom activities require having good vision. In elementary school, a lot of children are affected by vision problems, which, however, remain unnoticed.
Common Vision Issues
- Blurry vision
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Eye strain
- Difficulty seeing the board clearly
Signs Parents and Teachers Should Notice
- Squinting while reading
- Sitting too close to the board or TV
- Complaining of headaches
- Rubbing eyes frequently
Prevention
Periodic eye examinations at a minimum of one time annually will be able to identify the problems in the eyes at an early stage. Children should not spend much time on digital devices because it may strain their eyes. The parents are supposed to ensure that they do not spend too much time on the devices. Healthy vision is promoted by balanced nutrition, which consists of foods that are high in vitamin A (such as carrots, spinach, and eggs).
6. Hair and Scalp Problems
School-going children also have a common problem with hair because of the close physical contact and the hygiene habits.
Common Hair Problems
- Head lice
- Dandruff
- Hair loss or fungal scalp infections
Causes
- Sharing combs, caps, or pillows
- Not washing hair regularly
- Allergic reactions to certain shampoos
Care and Prevention
The parents are supposed to check the hair of the children at least once per week. Washing with soft shampoos, having clean beddings, and sharing personal items can go a long way in reducing chances of hair infection. Hair and hygiene checks should also be carried out in schools to avoid the infestation of lice.
7. Dental Problems
Dental hygiene is a critical factor in overall health that is usually disregarded. Poor brushing and high intake of food with high sugar levels have resulted in most elementary school students having cavities/toothaches.
Common Dental Issues
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Gum bleeding
- Bad breath
Prevention
- Encourage brushing twice daily.
- Limit sweets and soft drinks.
- Visit the dentist every six months.
- Provide fluoride toothpaste and teach proper brushing development and technique.
8. Respiratory Problems
Children often face breathing-related issues, especially those living in areas with pollution or dust. Allergic reactions and asthma are quite common in school-age children.
Common Respiratory Issues
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Chronic cough or bronchitis
Prevention and Management
Keep classrooms well-ventilated, avoid dust buildup, and ensure children stay hydrated. Parents should inform teachers if their child has asthma so that immediate help can be provided during emergencies.
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9. Attention and Learning Disorders
Some children may struggle with attention span, memory, or behavior in classrooms. This is not always a matter of laziness—many times, it may relate to developmental or neurological conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Symptoms
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Hyperactivity
- Trouble following instructions
- Poor academic performance
How to Help
Early diagnosis and a supportive learning environment can make a huge difference. Teachers can use interactive and engaging teaching methods to keep such children involved. Counseling and behavioral therapy can also improve outcomes.
10. The Role of Parents and Teachers
Maintaining children’s health is a shared responsibility. Teachers spend much of the day with students. They often notice when something is wrong. Parents also have an important role. They help make sure their child keeps healthy habits at home.
Key Responsibilities
- Encourage open communication between school and home.
- Regular health checkups and vaccinations
- Teach children basic hygiene habits.
- Provide a balanced diet and adequate rest.
Conclusion
Elementary schools play a vital role in shaping a child’s overall well-being. Since children are still developing physically and emotionally, even small health issues can have long-term consequences if ignored.
By understanding and addressing common health issues in elementary schools, such as digestive and mental health problems, along with vision and respiratory concerns, parents and teachers can collaborate to create a healthier learning environment.
When proper hygiene, nutrition, emotional support, and early medical care are prioritized, children not only stay healthy but also do well academically and socially. Healthy children grow into confident, responsible, and happy adults. It all starts with awareness and care during their school years.
FAQs
1. What are the most common health problems in elementary school children?
Among the most common medical conditions are digestive disorders, mental health disorders, viral infections, skin disorders, and vision problems. Intimate child contact, imbalanced diets, and poor personal hygiene are often the causes of these disorders.
2. How can schools help improve students’ health?
Schools can promote health in a number of ways, including by keeping their facilities clean, teaching students good hygiene practices, encouraging wholesome meals, scheduling regular health exams, and providing mental health support services.
3. Why is mental health important for school children?
Because it influences social behavior, learning, and focus, mental health is crucial. Early support and counseling are crucial because family problems, stress, and performance pressure can all have a detrimental effect on a child's mental health.
4. What can parents do to prevent health problems in their children?
In addition to limiting screen time and ensuring adequate sleep, parents should teach their children good hygiene practices like frequent tooth brushing and hand washing. Children's health is also maintained by routine dental and medical examinations.
