Parents urged to build healthier habits as new semester begins

China Daily

7th September 2026

Parents urged to build healthier habits as new semester begins

By Li Menghan

As the new semester begins, health authorities are urging parents to tackle myopia, obesity and spinal curvature among schoolchildren by addressing the everyday habits that contribute to these health problems.

Insufficient outdoor activity, excessive screen use, late bedtimes and overconsumption of sugary snacks and drinks are common risk factors for the three conditions, Guo Xin, a senior physician at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

Rather than addressing each problem separately, targeting these shared risk factors can help prevent and improve multiple health issues simultaneously, Guo said.

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202609/07/WS6a9ec8c9e4b06d4aa055ccb7.html