You want the best for your child and that includes their health. Schools play a significant role in helping with this by offering in-school screenings. These quick, non-invasive checks are done right at school to catch potential health issues early on.
“Within the United States, each state has its own mandates for school health screenings,” said Ismaeel Bakhsh, MD, a pediatrician with Banner Health. “Most states require schools to assess vision and hearing at specific ages, but some require additional screenings.”
Read on to understand common health screenings and why they are important in keeping your child healthy and ready to learn.
Why are in-school health screenings important?
- Early detection: Childhood health problems can eventually develop into chronic adult conditions. “Finding potential issues at an early age will improve prognosis, and conditions will be easier and more cost-effective to treat,” Dr. Bakhsh said.
- Convenience: Having screenings done at school makes it easier for parents and children. Unfortunately, not every child receives regular checkups. This convenience helps ensure that more students don’t miss out on health checks.
- Regular monitoring: Schools often perform these screenings at set times throughout the year, making it easier to keep track of your child’s health over time.
- Promotes awareness: Screenings can increase parents' and students' understanding of health issues. When schools identify potential problems, they can provide information and resources to help families address these issues. This support can make a big difference in managing health.
- Supports learning: Healthy students are more likely to attend school and be successful in their studies. “Health issues can impact a child’s ability to learn and perform well in school,” Dr. Bakhsh said. “In-school screenings help ensure that students can focus on their education without health-related distractions by catching and addressing these issues early.”
Who performs school health screenings?
These screenings are typically performed by school nurses, trained health professionals or sometimes with the help of community health organizations.
Common types of in-school health screenings
Different states and school districts may perform various types of screenings, but here are some common ones to know about:
Vision screenings
Vision screenings check for common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Good vision is important for learning. Finding and addressing vision issues early can help prevent academic struggles and ensure your child can see clearly in the classroom.
[Also read “Six Effective Eye Care Tips to Protect Your Child’s Vision” for tips to keep your child’s eyes healthy.]
Hearing screenings
When a hearing test is performed, it checks how well your child can hear different pitches or “frequencies” of sound. These sounds can range from low (like a drumbeat) to high (like a whistle).
“Testing various frequencies helps identify if your child has trouble hearing certain pitches, which can be important for understanding speech and other sounds,” Dr. Bakhsh said. “Catching and addressing issues early can greatly improve your child’s ability to communicate and learn effectively.”
Scoliosis screenings
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways. Schools often check for it since early detection can make treatment easier and more effective.
Height and weight measurements
Schools measure students’ height and weight to monitor growth and screen for health conditions.
Obesity is measured by calculating your child’s body mass index (BMI). This calculation helps spot potential weight-related issues and identify children who may be more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure or other health conditions.
Blood pressure readings
Some schools measure blood pressure to monitor heart health. Children with untreated hypertension (high blood pressure) have a greater long-term risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death. This screening is less common but can be important for older students.
Dental checks
Dental screenings help find issues with teeth and gums. Good dental health is important for overall health and confidence.
Mental health checks
Some schools offer screenings for mental health. These checks help identify signs of stress, anxiety or depression. Early support can make a big difference in your child’s well-being.
The age or grade at which these tests are performed will vary by state and school district. Check with your child’s school district for more details on when these screenings are performed.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, it’s a good idea to reach out to your school’s counselor or health office for guidance and available resources.
Parent involvement
Parents are an important part of the screening process. Here are ways you can play an active role in your child’s health and well-being:
- Stay informed: Review any reports or information sent home by the school to keep track of your child's screening results. If you have questions or concerns about the results, contact the school’s health office for clarification.
- Follow-up on referrals: If a screening indicates a potential issue, you may receive a referral to a specialist or health care provider. Schedule appointments, attend them and discuss any concerns with the specialist. “Having a positive screening doesn’t necessarily mean that your child has that disease or condition,” Dr. Bakhsh said. “Your child may require additional testing to confirm the diagnosis, look for causes and start treatment early if needed.”
- Be honest and reassuring: When discussing screenings with your child, be honest about the process, but keep the conversation positive and reassuring. Let them know that screenings are a normal part of staying healthy and help ensure their well-being. A positive attitude toward these checks can make the process smoother and less stressful.
- Offer love and support: If a screening reveals a potential issue, support your child by staying calm and positive. Explain the situation in an age-appropriate way. Reassure them that there are steps to address the problem. Offer emotional support and let them know they’re not alone in dealing with any follow-up appointments or treatment.
Takeaway
In-school screenings are valuable for ensuring your child’s health and development. By catching potential issues early, they help support your child’s overall well-being and academic success.
Contact your child's school if you have questions about school health screenings. If you have additional questions or concerns about your child’s health, speak with your child’s health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. And don’t forget to schedule your child’s annual well-checks!
