A new health campaign focuses on children’s role in family hygiene.
- Influential partners with Champs Public Health for a winter campaign.
- The initiative highlights the spread of germs from everyday items.
- Research shows children as common vectors for family illnesses.
- Parents and children are empowered to adopt better hygiene practices.
Influential has launched a new campaign in collaboration with Champs Public Health Collaborative, focusing on the role children play in maintaining family health. The campaign, titled ‘Simple Things,’ aims to promote the importance of handwashing among children to prevent the spread of illnesses during the winter season.
Tracey Lambert, Head of Communications at Champs Public Health Collaborative, explained that the campaign seeks to demonstrate how simple hygiene practices, such as washing hands, can significantly contribute to keeping families healthy. She stressed the commonality of germs in everyday environments and the necessity of promoting handwashing at crucial moments.
Research underpinning this campaign revealed that a significant number of parents, 74%, had to take time off work in the previous year to care for sick children. Additionally, 62% of parents reported frequently contracting illnesses from their children. These findings underscore the importance of proper hygiene practices.
The study also uncovered the presence of harmful microbes, including those found in faeces, in places frequented by children, like soft play areas, playgrounds, and even home toys. This data-driven approach is intended to visually reinforce the message about germ accumulation and hygiene.
Karen Swan, Director at Influential, remarked on the emotional and practical impact illnesses can have on families. She emphasised that the campaign empowers both parents and children to be proactive in supporting health and hygiene. Swan pointed out that strategic use of data can effectively change behaviour, and this campaign exemplifies that approach.
The campaign underlines the critical role of children in promoting family hygiene through regular handwashing.
