# data[].attributes.body
According to The World Health Organization, Cyberbullying has increased drastically over the last few years and is impacting the lives of young children. Studies show that about 1 in 8 adolescents report cyberbullying others. Due to the rise in technology use at a young age, children are at a higher risk of being exposed to online bullying. Educators, parents, and others in the community must intervene to prevent these interactions. The information in this article pertains to teaching health in the elementary classroom because teachers can highlight the importance of online safety. Educators must tell their students that what is said on the internet stays there forever and that bullying is not tolerated in or outside of the school. Technology use is becoming increasingly frequent in classrooms so teaching proper and appropriate language to use online is very important in how it impacts a child’s mental and emotional health. Teachers can help children learn about this topic by discussing what is appropriate to say online, educating them on how bullying can be harmful, and providing insights into bullying and cyberbullying.

World Health Organization. (2024, March 27). One in six school-aged children experiences cyberbullying, finds new who/Europe study. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/27-03-2024-one-in-six-school-aged-children-experiences-cyberbullying--finds-new-who-europe-study

# data[].attributes.body
According to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, healthy food has a huge impact on students in school. Healthy food is at the foundation of all daily activities and can play an important role in a child’s life and well-being. Proper nutrition impacts a child’s physical health, academic performance, mental health, social interactions, healthy habits, and long-term outcomes. Eating nutrient-dense foods at a young age can also impact a person’s life down the road into adulthood. Healthy eating can be addressed in the classroom by discussing what a “healthy plate” looks like and how each food group impacts your body. Ensuring that students receive nutritious foods during lunchtime can aid their academic performance and overall well-being in and outside of the classroom. Teachers can teach students about MyPlate which is a model that helps aid students with healthy eating choices and talk about some of the healthier food choices compared to foods that should be eaten in moderation.

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. (2023, November 17). Top 6 reasons healthy food is important for students in school. https://www.shfb.org/impact/blog/top-6-reasons-healthy-food-is-important-for-students-in-school/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
During the school year, the focus for many households with students is a hectic schedule full of schoolwork, sports and socializing. The foundation for all of these activities is a healthy diet, yet many families and college students across Silicon Valley struggle to access nutritious food. Good food and nutrition play vital roles in helping children, adolescents and college students learn and grow. When students have access to enough healthy food, they are able to concentrate, graduate and pursue their goals.  An investment in access to food can make a lifelong and generational impact, providing an opportunity to build strong, well-educated and healthy children and young adults who become tomorrow's entrepreneurs, business leaders, healthcare workers and educators.

1. Physical Health

Nutrition impacts overall health, including the immune system. Kids and college students with access to proper nutrition are more likely to have better overall health and development outcomes.

Children who do not have access to nutritious food are sick more often and more likely to have to be hospitalized and can suffer growth impairment that precludes them from reaching their full physical potential. They are more likely to have poorer overall health, iron deficiency anemia, and developmental problems.

Reliance on sugary or calorie-dense comfort foods in times of stress can become a necessity for food insecure households, which can lead to poor nutrition and health outcomes. Children whose families are food insecure are more likely to be overweight or obese as compared to children whose families are food secure. This can lead to chronic conditions down the road.

"[It is important that kids eat vegetables] so that they grow up healthy ... it is what their doctors recommend and more than anything, as a child myself, I did not have that opportunity [to eat nutritious foods]." - Floridalma, client

2. Academic Performance

Food plays a vital role in preparing children and students to learn and making sure they are healthy enough to attend school each day. Nutrition impacts brain development, memory and cognitive function, energy, attention and focus, which are all critical to the ability to absorb and retain information. Children who have a balanced diet are more likely to have improved school attendance, better grades, and higher test scores than those with poor dietary habits.

When children are hungry, it negatively impacts their learning. They have lower math scores and lower grades; they are more likely to be absent or tardy; they are more likely to be suspended from school and are more likely to repeat a grade.

Food insecure college students are more likely to fail assignments and exams, withdraw from classes or the university, and earn lower grade point averages than their counterparts. Additionally, they reported missing out on professional development opportunities, such as internships, which may affect their future career ambitions.

"So I think folks are used to this idea that when you come to college you are signing up for these expectations of what a college student is. And part of that is the starving student, 'I'm just going to be broke and eat ramen because that's all I can afford.' And we're really trying to combat that messaging with the message that students should be getting nutritious food, they should be getting assistance with those food needs because they are in a unique population that really comes up against these barriers to getting access to nutritious food. "
- Victoria, Student Affairs Case Manager, San Jose State University

3. Mental Health

Nutrition impacts mental health. When kids and college students lack the healthy foods they need, stress and anxiety can interfere with learning and well-being. When nutrition needs are met, students can begin to focus on their wellness.

Household food insecurity impacts mental health and behavioral issues in children and adolescents including aggression, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

When college students don't really know if they'll be able to get enough to eat, it can lead to a series of problems that make it harder to stay in school. Food-insecure [college] students are more likely to experience stress, poor mental health and depression, poor/fair health status, poor sleep quality, fatigue and lack of energy, irritability, and headaches.

4. Social Interactions

Proper nutrition can impact social and emotional development. When children and adolescents feel well, they are more likely to engage in social interactions and participate actively in learning experiences.

Hungry children have more social and behavioral problems because they feel bad, have less energy for complex social interactions, and cannot adapt as effectively to environmental stresses.

By the time they are teenagers, food insecure children are twice as likely as their peers to have seen a psychologist, twice as likely to have been suspended from school, and have greater difficulty getting along with other children.

5. Healthy Habits

Food and proper nutrition lead to a healthier life. Developing healthy eating habits during childhood sets the foundation for lifelong dietary choices. Children who are exposed to a variety of nutritious foods are more likely to continue making healthy food choices as they grow older. Children in households with uncertain access to nutritious food are twice as likely to have low self-esteem and less likely to believe they can make healthy choices.

"Sometimes the behaviors around food, such as how and when we eat, are just as important as the food itself. Fostering a healthy relationship around food makes us feel good about our food choices, takes away the 'good food, bad food' mentality and sets us up for healthy habits for years to come." - Alex Navarro, Director of Nutrition

6. Long Term Outcomes

Good nutrition positively impacts kids, students and families for generations. Young kids turn into college kids, and too many students see their futures jeopardized because they struggle to get the nutritious food they need to focus. When students don't know if they'll be able to eat it can lead to a series of physical, mental and emotional challenges that make it harder to stay in school and do well. And staying in school and earning a degree can be an important first step toward breaking the cycle of poverty many children from food insecure families find themselves in.

It can make a generational difference for families when kids are able to graduate, pursue higher education degrees or technical job training, and attain higher paying jobs. When families can start to accumulate wealth and pass that on to younger generations within their family, financial security is easier.

Silicon Valley workers with a bachelor's degree earned an estimated $60,000 more than those with only a high school diploma (2.5 times more) in 2021. Those at the highest level of educational attainment (graduate or professional degree) had incomes over 4.5 times greater than those at the lowest level (without a high school diploma or equivalency).

Workers who experienced hunger as children are not as well prepared physically, mentally, emotionally or socially to perform effectively in the contemporary workforce.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 6 Reasons Healthy Food is Important for Students in School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
During the school year, the focus for many households with students is a hectic schedule full of schoolwork, sports and socializing. The foundation for all of these activities is a healthy diet, yet many families and college students across Silicon Valley struggle to access nutritious food.

# data[].attributes.body
Education Week discusses teachers' input on flexible seating in the classroom. Flexible seating offers students a variety of options to choose from to feel comfortable around the classroom. Students can sit on yoga balls, pillows, repurposed tires, couch cushions, etc. to complete their work rather than the traditional desks used in schools. Teachers have noticed that students focus more, improve their balance and strength, and enjoy completing their work more when using flexible seating in the classroom. This can also help students who struggle to concentrate on tasks and assignments as it allows them to feel comfortable in the classroom. Flexible seating can be addressed in the classroom by implementing different flexible seating options for students to use. Giving students the option to sit on different materials may help them stay more engaged and feel a sense of choice. These items can be repurposed from year to year and found in affordable options on the Facebook marketplace, from friends, objects around the school, or even from your own house. Teachers need to learn about this topic as it may improve performance in the classroom, aid behavior management, and focus for students.

Meisner, C. (2023, August 18). Do classrooms need yoga balls and Bean Bag Chairs? teachers weigh in on flexible seating. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/do-classrooms-need-yoga-balls-and-bean-bag-chairs-teachers-weigh-in-on-flexible-seating/2023/08

# data[].attributes.headline
Safety and Preventing Unintentional Injury

# data[].attributes.subject
Safety and Preventing Unintentional Injury

# data[].attributes.body
The U.S. News World Report highlights the dangers of fireworks and injuries in recent years. Thousands of people end up in the hospital each year due to firework injuries. Injuries include the hands and fingers, larger regions of the body, and burns on the skin. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children never play with fireworks or sparklers. They also suggest keeping a bucket of water nearby in case they malfunction. Drone light shows have become an alternative route to fireworks shows. This article can be addressed in the classroom by highlighting firework safety and how it is important for children to stay away from fireworks to avoid unintentional injuries. Discussing safety procedures to avoid harmful situations can be an important topic to discuss when talking about playground safety, bike safety, etc. Teachers can help children learn about this topic by discussing active ways to prevent unintentional injuries and how important it is to use safety precautions.

Pittman, A. (2024, July 4). How dangerous are fireworks? injuries by the numbers | healthiest communities health news | U.S. news. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/how-dangerous-are-fireworks-injuries-by-the-numbers

# data[].attributes.body
According to UC Davis Health, Whooping cough is spiking in the U.S.Whooping cough has three stages, the first being a runny nose and mild cough, then violent coughing, vomiting, dehydration, and then lastly a recovery phase. It can take up to six months for a child to recover from whooping cough. Doctors recommend that pregnant women get the vaccine for whopping cough to prevent newborns from getting it. This topic may be addressed in the classroom by informing students of different illnesses going around and how they can take precautions to prevent the spread. Practicing healthy handwashing procedures, covering your mouth when you sneezing and staying home when you are sick are all helpful ways to prevent illnesses from spreading. Teachers need to know about this topic because they are constantly working with children in a small space. It is important that children are educated on how to prevent illnesses to avoid sickness in the classroom.

Tomiyoshi, T. (2024, June 5). Whooping cough is spiking in the U.S.: How to protect yourself and your family. news. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/whooping-cough-is-spiking-in-the-us-how-to-protect-yourself-and-your-family/2024/05

# data[].attributes.body
The Learning Policy Institute stressed the importance of school safety and creating a safe and supportive school environment. The rise in school shootings has shown a major increase in school safety procedures and concerns. Some physical security measures include controlling building access to staff using badges, security cameras, metal detectors, school resource officers, and some suggested arming school staff.  Additionally, there have been strategies in place to build supportive school communities such as mental health support, social and emotional learning, and restorative practices.  This topic may be addressed in the classroom through school safety procedures such as emergency drills, implementing social and emotional learning practices and check-ins, yoga/ mindfulness practices, and creating a classroom community. It is essential that teachers know about this topic to best help students. Navigating difficult situations and regulating emotions are important practices in the classroom to ensure students feel safe, and comfortable and can learn in the classroom.

Safe schools, thriving students: What we know about creating safe and supportive schools. Learning Policy Institute. (2024, January 26). https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/safe-schools-thriving-students-report

# data[].attributes.body
Newsroom outlines the new American Heart Association scientific statement which discusses the effects of e-cigarette use. There has been a significant rise in e-cigarette use over the past few years especially among middle and high school students. Recent studies show the long-term impacts that e-cigarettes have on children’s hearts, lungs, and blood vessels. The fun flavors and packaging make e-cigarettes more appealing to the younger generations and it is branded as a way to quit smoking. Although these products are used for people to quit smoking, it has caused an increase in nicotine addiction. This topic may be introduced in the elementary classroom in a D.A.R.E. program or when talking about drug and alcohol prevention and peer pressure. It is important for teachers to know about this topic because there has been a huge increase in recent years and it is starting to impact younger generations. Additionally, students may have family members that use e-cigarettes or be pressured to use them later on in life so it is important they know the harmful effects of using them.

Newsroom. (2023, July 17). Current evidence identifies health risks of e-cigarette use; long-term research needed. American Heart Association. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/current-evidence-identifies-health-risks-of-e-cigarette-use-long-term-research-needed#:~:text=DALLAS%2C%20July%2017%2C%202023%20%E2%80%94,in%20the%20Association%27s%20flagship%20journal

# data[].attributes.body
According to the American Psychological Association, more teens than ever are overdosing and abusing substances. They discussed how the “ just say no” campaign does not work for young children because of peer pressure and pure risks. The article also highlighted how drug use can lead to other addictive behaviors such as gambling, , fighting, drag racing, and other risky behaviors. This topic may be discussed in the classroom through alcohol and drug prevention programs or when discussing what is a risky behavior. It is important that children are educated on the risks and dangers associated with drug use and other risk-taking behaviors. It's essential for teachers to know about this topic because students may be exposed to these risky behaviors at home and we want to enforce the dangers that come with these topics.

American Psychological Association. (2024, March 1). More teens than ever are overdosing. psychologists are leading new approaches to combat youth substance misuse. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/03/new-approaches-youth-substance-misuse