Drinking water is an essential requirement for ensuring hydration alongside maintaining health and fitness. The importance of drinking water in schools cannot be emphasized much as it is a basic necessity for children. Every school needs a 24/7 drinking water supply so that students can access free and clean drinking water at school. Why is drinking water so important at school? Children could access a healthier learning environment and learn the significance of safe water for their health. The following post helps you find the importance of drinking water in schools, along with some facts.
Facts about Drinking Water in Schools
Before moving towards reasons underpinning the importance of drinking water in schools, you should take a look at the existing state of availability of drinking water in schools.
According to a UNICEF report in 2018, around 29% of schools worldwide did not have basic drinking water facilities. Can you imagine the number of children affected by such a setback? Almost 546 million children attending school were deprived of one of their basic rights.
On top of it, one out of three children without access to drinking water facilities in their schools lived in least developed countries.
You might be wondering that it is water after all and children could bring their own bottles from home. The conditions are not the same for all children worldwide.
Importance of Drinking Water in Schools
The notion regarding the availability of water as a universal resource often blinds us to its significance. People generally undermine the value of something which is available in abundance. However, drinking water is a completely different resource, especially when it comes to children at school. The following facts about the health benefits of drinking water in schools can help you learn more about its importance.
Overall Health Development
Drinking water is a crucial requirement in developing and maintaining the child’s overall health. Water helps in supporting the growth of muscles, tissues and joints alongside improving the digestive system of children.
Better Cognitive Performance
Copious amounts of water intake could also have a positive effect on the cognitive performance of children, especially with improvements in short-term memory, fine motor skills and visual attention span.
Weight Management and Safety from Tooth Decay
Replacing sugary drinks and beverages with drinking water can help in fighting off concerns of weight gain and dental problems. Studies have estimated that replacing sugary drinks or beverages with water could help in achieving average weight loss in the range of 2% to 2.5%.
Stronger Immune Systems
Water is also one of the essential requirements for strengthening the immune system of children as it helps in removing toxins naturally from the body. Drinking adequate amounts of water can help in pumping oxygen throughout the body, thereby enhancing the immune system’s capabilities.
Conclusion
The details regarding the existing state of availability of drinking water in schools present a distressing image. However, the benefits of drinking water at school for children show the necessity for initiatives to ensure that all schools receive a drinking water supply. Drinking water is one of the basic rights of children going to school as it also encourages good practices for sanitation. Learn more about the health benefits of water for children right now.
