Students urged to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight in new academic year

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Health authorities and medical experts have issued guidelines urging students and parents to prioritize hydration and reduce sun exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses as the school year begins amid high temperatures. In response, some private schools have modified schedules to limit outdoor activities during peak heat, reinforcing efforts to safeguard children’s health during hot weather.

With the start of the new academic year and temperatures remaining high, authorities and health experts have issued warnings urging students and parents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Emphasizing the importance of hydration and minimizing exposure to direct sunlight, several ministries and medical professionals have outlined key measures to protect children during school hours.

The Ministry of Labour highlighted that safeguarding children from heat is a shared responsibility among families, schools, and communities. Advising parents to ensure children begin their day well hydrated, the ministry recommended avoiding prolonged periods under direct sun exposure. In a social media statement, it urged both students and caregivers to prioritize drinking sufficient water throughout the day and to steer clear of standing in direct sunlight.

Similarly, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) underscored the critical role of hydration in promoting students’ health, especially amid elevated temperatures and humidity. Through a video message, the MoPH recommended daily fluid intake of six to eight cups of water, encouraging water consumption over sugar-sweetened beverages. The ministry further stressed increasing water intake during hot weather and physical activity as essential preventive measures.

Medical experts echoed these advisories, noting children respond to heat differently than adults. Dr. Vinod Kuriakose, a paediatric specialist at Aster Qatar, explained that children become overheated more quickly and often do not recognize early signs of dehydration. He advised parents to provide insulated water flasks for their children and to remind them to drink regularly, particularly before and after breaks. Dr. Kuriakose also suggested including hydrating snacks such as watermelon or cucumber in lunchboxes, adhering to lightweight, breathable cotton uniforms, and applying sunscreen daily.

Dr. Kuriakose recommended limiting children’s exposure during the hottest parts of the day by encouraging shade use or staying indoors in air-conditioned environments. He urged vigilance for symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, or dark urine, advising immediate intervention with hydration, rest in cool spaces, and medical attention if necessary.

In response, some private educational institutions have adjusted their schedules to limit outdoor activity during peak heat periods. An official at a private school confirmed that outdoor physical activities would be suspended until weather conditions improve, with all exercises conducted in indoor facilities. The school has also arranged transportation to minimize students’ exposure to direct sunlight while boarding buses.

These collective efforts by health authorities, medical professionals, and educational institutions aim to mitigate heat-related risks and ensure students’ well-being as the academic year progresses amid challenging weather conditions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.