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School children to learn about health bugs.

A creative online educational resource is being made available to Scottish schools to teach young people about hand-washing.

The e-Bug programme informs pupils about the importance of good hand hygiene, and makes learning about micro-organisms, the spread, prevention and treatment of infection fun and accessible to all students.

The free programme will raise awareness of hand and respiratory hygiene, including teaching children how to wash hands effectively, and about how bugs spread.

Visiting St Mary’s Primary School in Hamilton, who run the eBugs programme, Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said:

“We know that if we want to prevent the spread of bugs, it is best to target young children as they are most likely to spread infections in the community.

“Children are less likely to wash their hands and therefore harbour bugs for longer than adults. So getting them to wash their hands and throw away tissues can make a real difference in reducing spread.

“This programme is a great example of how we can provide fun and engaging ways for our children to learn more about how to prevent disease.

“With the flu and cold season upon us, there is no better time to remind children of the importance of hand washing.”

Mrs Stewart, Principal of St Mary’s Primary School said:

“Primary 5 pupils have been using the e-bug online resource to learn about the prevention of infection and germs. This forms part of their Health and Wellbeing lessons with Mrs Louise Jack, their Health and Wellbeing teacher.

“E-bug fits perfectly with Curriculum for Excellence as it lends itself to the use of many different teaching and learning approaches.

“The children have been engaged in their learning through the use of ICT, collaborative strategies and independent working. Using e-bug, they are also developing a variety of skills which will help prepare them for future learning and for the World of work.”

The e-Bug resources comprise of a teacher and student educational pack reinforcing an awareness of essential hygiene and antibiotic issues through detailed interactive lesson plans and an interactive website hosting complementary games, interactive quizzes, disease fact sheets and much more.

Notes to editors

The e-Bug project is being rolled out across Europe by 28 international partner countries.

The Education Scotland website also features a range of materials and resources for schools which cover Science and Health and Wellbeing.

Photos of Mr Matheson's visit to St Mary’s Primary School are available on the Newsroom.