Health officials create COVID-19 guide for kids

The World Health Organization has created a COVID-19 guide for children ages 8 to 17, WHO said in a statement.

The guide “aims to help young people understand the science and social science of COVID-19 as well as help them take actions to keep themselves, their families and communities safe,” the statement said.

Along with The Smithsonian Science Education Center, WHO created the free online guide with seven student-led activities for children and teenagers..

“With all the myths and misconceptions out there, it is important for children and youth to understand the nature of this pandemic and what can be done to prevent future pandemics from happening,” said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at WHO.

Here are some highlights from the guide:

1. Through a set of seven cohesive student-led tasks, participants engage in the activities to answer questions previously defined by their peers.

2. The questions explore the impact of COVID-19 on the world, how to practice hand and respiratory hygiene and physical distancing, and how to research more information about COVID-19.

3. The final task teaches youth how they can take action on the new scientific knowledge they learn to improve their health and the health of others. Each task is designed to be completed at home.

4. Includes updated research, activities, quotes from scientists and frontline public health officials, and physical and emotional safety tips on COVID-19

5. It also integrates inquiry-based science education with social and emotional learning and civic engagement.

The guide is available in more than 15 languages and can be found here.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Health officials create COVID-19 guide for kids"