Flashback to my schooling, I don’t think eye protection was actually covered unless we were doing a chemical reaction in chemistry in high school. Fast forward to the present day, my kids have come home with safety glasses (very basic uncomfortable ones) after a science demonstration. I found the fact that they actually handed out safety glasses (such as they were) wonderful. I care about eyes and any protection is better than nothing, in my book.

But, it got me thinking, what if safety glasses were cool, comfortable and actually fitted. How much more likely would children be to wear them? I hazard to predict, much more likely. Further to this, I have been thinking about what situations/activities at school kids should be wearing eye protection. Here is what I have come up with so far:

– science experiments
– art when paint/clay/other material is being flung around
– nailing and glue gun activities (possibly the preppies with normal glue, as mine is probably not the only one that likes waving his arms around)
– when throwing paper planes
– when cleaning up the animal area/gardening
– playing out the playground

Now, I know there will be other instances and the likelihood of getting children to wear eye protection is low, particularly in the playground (unless it was in the form of sunglasses). But I believe that if we start them off on the right track early, the better the outcome and decreased chance of accidental permanent eye damage.

I would love to hear from your school’s opinion and along with yours. If we can start a discussion to bring kids eye protection into our consciousness. I think we will be able to make a real lasting difference.