Children fasting during school: 7 golden tips from Saudi Health
With the holy month of Ramadan coinciding with the school year, many parents face challenges in balancing the observance of fasting with maintaining their children's academic performance and physical activity. In this context, the Saudi Ministry of Health has issued a set of important medical guidelines and advice to ensure a safe and healthy fast for students, guaranteeing that their health and concentration in the classroom are not negatively impacted.
The importance of preparing the fasting child physically and psychologically
Fasting is an important transitional phase for children that requires close parental supervision, especially given the mental and physical exertion they experience during the school day. These guidelines are particularly important to avoid common health complications such as dehydration, headaches, and low blood sugar, which can negatively impact a child's cognitive abilities.
The ministry stressed the need to ensure the child's physical ability to fast before starting it, and the importance of gradually introducing fasting to younger children to accustom their bodies without sudden exhaustion.
7 golden tips for safe fasting while studying
The Ministry of Health has identified seven key principles that families must follow to ensure the safety of fasting students, which are as follows:
1. Choose food quality wisely
The ministry stressed the importance of avoiding foods high in fats and simple sugars during both breakfast and suhoor (pre-dawn meal). While these foods provide an immediate energy boost, they cause indigestion, sluggishness, and lethargy, negatively impacting students' performance the following day.
2. Prevention of dehydration and sunstroke
Due to the high temperatures in some areas, the ministry advised taking extra care to prevent children from being exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods during the school day. It also recommended limiting strenuous physical activities in the schoolyard to avoid dehydration and fluid loss, which can impair concentration.
3. Time management between studying and worship
Time management is a crucial factor; it is advisable to divide the time for performing schoolwork in the period extending from after breakfast until the pre-dawn meal, to ensure that the student is at the peak of his mental energy.
4. Regulating the biological clock and sleep
To overcome lethargy and drowsiness in class, a consistent sleep routine with set hours should be established. Adequate sleep at night is key to enhancing memory and comprehension during Ramadan.
5. Napping to restore energy
The advice pointed to the importance of taking a short nap during the day in Ramadan (after returning from school), as this short break helps to recharge the body's energy and prepare to study effectively after breaking the fast.
6. Avoid diuretics (caffeine)
The Ministry of Health has warned against giving children caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks during the pre-dawn meal (suhoor). Caffeine is a diuretic, which accelerates fluid loss and increases the likelihood of thirst and dehydration during fasting.
7. Reduce screen time
The ministry recommended avoiding staying up late in front of the television or electronic devices, as the blue light emitted from them leads to sleep disturbances, which negatively affects the student's performance at school in the morning.
Following these guidelines not only contributes to a safe fast, but also establishes healthy habits that will last a child's entire life, thus enhancing the new generation's awareness of the importance of nutrition and a balanced lifestyle.
