World Health Day is a global celebration that raises awareness about important global health issues. 2022 marks two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, and as it continues, mitigating and preventing the spread of the coronavirus remains a major public health concern. This year, Hape celebrated World Health Day by recognising the importance of teaching children about coronavirus and positive preventive measures using our friendly virus hand puppet, “Breezy”.

Importance of Talking to Children about COVID-19
The pandemic is a global crisis that has affected all segments of the population, and while children are less likely to become seriously ill compared to the elderly, they are as likely as adults to get and spread Covid-19. Teaching children effective health and hygiene practices that that can keep them safe and prevent the spread of infections to others is, therefore, essential. It is also important to remember that children are not indifferent to the negative psychological impacts caused by lockdowns and restrictions. Since the pandemic started, children wore masks, missed school and birthday parties, experienced fears, parental stress and uncertainties – alongside a substantial change to their daily routines. Talking with children about their feelings and anxieties and exploring what questions they have will help them to reinforce a sense of control and comfort during this difficult time.

Why We Developed Breezy to Teach Children about COVID-19

Explaining complex topics such as the Covid-19 pandemic to young children can be challenging for teachers and parents alike. Hand-puppets can help teach children about the virus and encourage them to stay engaged and to listen attentively. When giving children instructions on how to prevent transmissions by performing hygiene practices, hand-puppets can teach children to develop important skills such as hand-washing, social distancing and wearing masks. Moreover, by demonstrating sneezing and coughing with the puppet, children learn to identify important symptoms of a typical covid infection. 

Lockdowns and restrictions may cause children to experience a certain degree of discomfort or anxiety, and hand-puppets can bolster children’s sense of security and can help them to express these negative feelings more openly. Additionally, when children talk through hand-puppets they can take the role of others, which helps them to develop important social skills like empathy and respect for the feelings of others. One thing that the pandemic has taught us is that sometimes we must make personal sacrifices to slow the spread of the virus on order to save the lives of others.

Teaching our youngest about the coronavirus and positive preventive measures is an important task, and we are proud to support parents and teachers on their mission to ensure that every child around the world is well-protected and informed.