In today’s world, when the morning haze often hides the blue sky, air pollution and smog have quietly become everyday hazards. During the festive season or winter months, pollution levels rise sharply, and children, with their developing lungs, are the most-affected. Studies have linked prolonged exposure to smog with asthma, reduced lung function, and other long-term health risks.
With this busy world and working parents, protecting kids against these invisible dangers of pollution is confusing. Indeed, our children deserve clean air — not just in classrooms, but in playgrounds and at home, and it’s not just the responsibility of one stakeholder, but protecting kids is a work together to shield them from the dangers of air pollution.
Here’s what I would recommend parents and schools do to protect kids:
Mask up, AQI — A must
To help protect children from the harmful effects of air pollution and smog, parents and schools can take a few simple but effective steps.
Encourage children to wear N95 or certified anti-pollution masks, especially when they are outdoors during high pollution hours.
Make it a habit to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) using reliable apps. When pollution levels rise to hazardous levels, limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors as much as possible.
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Parents should ensure indoor safety by keeping windows closed during peak smog hours and, if possible, using air purifiers to maintain cleaner air inside the home. These small changes can make a big difference in safeguarding lungs.
Safe and Healthy School Environment
Schools can lead the way by becoming models of clean and healthy spaces. Some steps include:
–Green School Initiatives: Plant trees and shrubs around the campus, especially pollution-absorbing plants like neem, tulsi, aloe vera, and areca palm.
–Regular Air Quality Monitoring: Display daily AQI readings on school notice boards or digital screens to build awareness.
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–Smart Scheduling: Plan physical activities and outdoor events during early afternoon hours when pollution is generally lower.
–Student Green Clubs: Create “Eco Warriors” or “Green Ambassadors” groups to lead tree-planting, recycling, or clean-air campaigns.
–Ventilation and Filtration: Maintain air purifiers and ensure filters are cleaned regularly; open windows during low-pollution hours for natural ventilation.
–Indoor Physical Education: Introduce yoga, stretching, or mindfulness breaks instead of outdoor games on smog-heavy days.
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Guiding Parents with Practical Home Practices
Principals can empower parents through awareness sessions, newsletters, or WhatsApp updates. Parents can protect children by:
–Creating a Clean-Home Environment: Use air purifiers, avoid smoking indoors, and minimise the use of room fresheners or incense sticks.
–Healthy Diet Habits: Encourage foods rich in Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants — such as citrus fruits, spinach, almonds, and turmeric milk.
–Hydration and Hygiene: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins, and washing the face and hands after returning home removes pollutants.
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–Morning Routine Adjustments: Delay outdoor play or walks until after sunrise when smog concentration decreases.
–DIY Air Purifiers: Encourage families to keep air-purifying plants like spider plants, snake plants, and bamboo palms indoors.
–Breathing Exercises: Promote simple yogic practices like Anulom Vilom and Bhramari for stronger respiratory systems.
Building Awareness & Shared Community Responsibility
Schools and parents can multiply impact through joint action:
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–Eco-Friendly Celebrations: Promote cracker-free festivals and encourage alternatives like rangoli, lamps, or digital greetings.
–‘ No Vehicle Days’: Encourage walking, cycling, or carpooling once a week to reduce local pollution.
–School Communication: Use circulars, newsletters, and social media to share simple pollution-control messages regularly.
–Emergency Planning: Inform parents about school policies for high-pollution days, such as early dispersal or remote learning options.
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In the face of rising pollution levels, my message serves as both a warning and a rallying cry. It reminds us that protecting children’s health isn’t just about reacting to smog — it’s about building habits and systems that prioritise clean air every day. Whether it’s choosing the right mask, checking AQI before playtime, or making indoor spaces safer, small steps can lead to lasting impact.
As schools, parents, and communities come together, this initiative highlights the power of awareness and collaboration. This may be a simple note, but its message is clear: when it comes to our children’s well-being, every breath counts.
–Kamrah is the Principal of KIIT World School
