Government Opens Face-to-Face Schools, Doctors: Schools And Parents Must Maintain Children's Pros

JAKARTA - Starting this September, most schools in Indonesia have implemented Face-to-face Learning (PTM), as the COVID-19 pandemic in the country continues. Limited PTM is permitted, for areas with PPKM level 2 and 3 status, including the Java-Bali area.

Although it is mandatory to take place with strict health protocols, in fact PTM still causes anxiety for parents. On the one hand, it is recognized that distance learning makes the quality of children's education decline. But on the other hand, physical interaction during PTM is feared to be a medium of transmission of COVID-19 in the school environment.

This dilemmatic situation has prompted Makuku Family as a leading mother and child brand that cares deeply about the health and development of Indonesian children to hold a webinar with the theme "Facing Face-to-Face Schools, Are Parents Ready?" on Tuesday 28 September.

The CEO of Makuku Family, Mr. Jason Lee said that this webinar was needed to help parents be better prepared for face-to-face schooling, especially from a health perspective.

"We want to share with everyone about health information. Especially how we can reduce or prevent the spread of COVID-19 during PTM," said Lee.

This discussion featured influencer Zee Zee Shahab, a mother of two who is currently also facing face-to-face school. Also present was a consultant pediatrician from Makuku Family, dr. Andreas M.Ked (Ped). Sp.A and Brand Representative of Makuku Family, Chairunissa.

The first speaker, Zee Zee Shahab, admitted that distance learning which lasted almost two years was not an ideal method.

"My first child is 8 years old, entered elementary school in grade 1 during the pandemic. He didn't even know the names of his classmates. Now he likes to make problems easy. If I can't, I just google or call mommy," vented Zee Zee.

Although studying at home has many weaknesses, it does not mean that Zee Zee is ready to let her child go back to school.

"Honestly, I'm not ready for the consequences. For now online schooling is better. I'm one of those parents who are a bit overthinking, so far I haven't given permission. Middle or high school students may already understand health protocols, how to socialize during a pandemic. But if it's not time for elementary school, because if you meet friends the euphoria is different. You can immediately take off your mask and forget to keep your distance, "he added.

Consultant pediatrician from Makuku Family, dr. Andreas is also aware that the home study method causes stress, not only for children but also for parents. But to hold PTM now, dr. Andreas saw it as a hasty policy.

"The PTM decision was taken by the government after seeing positive cases and the death rate had dropped. But keep in mind that the vaccination coverage for children aged 12-18 years in Indonesia has not reached 80 percent. The problem is, the availability of PCR test facilities in the regions is not as numerous as in Jabodetabek. We have to be careful too," said Dr. Andreas.

Another factor to consider is school readiness. “Schools are required to maintain progress, and their readiness is not just a matter of sinks or classrooms. But the mental readiness of teachers to deal with children who are chaotic and do not follow health protocols. Is the teacher ready?" asked dr. Andres.

It is also important to make sure all school facilities and infrastructure are ready for emergency conditions, for example when suddenly a child has a fever at school.

"On the part of parents, they must also ensure that their children always comply with health protocols. How to wear masks, they must really be taught, not just ordered," he added.

As a tip, when PTM is effective, parents must know the symptoms of corona virus infection in children.

"Covid-19 cases in children are often not immediately caught like adults. The symptoms are mild, such as suddenly feeling weak, even the fever is not too high. This is something that needs to be considered when meeting face-to-face," he concluded.

In closing, Makuku Family Brand Representative Chairunissa alias Icha said, regardless of whether parents allow their children to participate in PTM or not, a healthy lifestyle must be a priority, especially during a pandemic.

"One of them brings his own drinking utensils. Don't share utensils with other people," Icha ordered.

Related to that, Makuku Family has a variety of products from various brands that were selected with a strict selection process, from various countries such as South Korea, Japan to Germany. One of them is Rovco and Alfresh as one of the superior products of the Makuku Family.

Alfresh and Rovco products, such as food containers and drinking bottles, have premium quality and are made from food grade, so they are very safe to use to bring your little one's lunch to school. Makuku family also has a variety of other superior products for mothers and children such as diapers, formula milk, to vitamins for mothers and children.