Maintaining students' health is a nuanced challenge that includes making sure students drink enough water throughout the day. At many K-12 schools in the United States, they don't. In some cases, the students are dehydrated because school policies have the unintended consequence of restricting their water intake or access to bathrooms.

It's a worrying trend, since dehydration can affect students' holistic health and well-being, and impact their academic performance.

Understanding Hydration And Its Impact On Student Success

School administrators and parents are often unaware of the importance of proper hydration or how problematic dehydration is among American school-aged children. The human body is composed of around 60% water and the human brain is 73% water. We all need proper hydration for our bodies and brains to function optimally.

Research on hydration shows that American children and adolescents drink significantly less water than adults. In fact, a Center for Disease Control (CDC) study showed that approximately 20% of children and teens intentionally avoid drinking water during the day. Equally troubling, the CDC study found that nearly half of school-aged children are not properly hydrated. What happens when a student is dehydrated? They can experience fatigue, headaches, and impaired concentration, all of which can directly hinder their academic performance.

Exploring The Socio-Economic Divide In Student Hydration

There are significant discrepancies in access to hydration across our educational systems. The CDC's research highlights a distressing disparity in hydration practices that falls along socio-economic lines. Children and adolescents from lower-income households, which are predominantly Black and Hispanic, consume less water than their peers. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health affirms this, emphasizing that lower-income and minority children face the highest risk of dehydration.

These hydration inequities illuminate the intricate tapestry of school-related challenges and policies that may not be immediately obvious to parents. That's where the seasoned Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm comes in.

Proactively Addressing School Issues With Lento Law Firm

Confronting school challenges, from hydration and discipline to academic performance, can be daunting. Joseph D. Lento and the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can assist families dealing with dehydration and other issues. We're devoted to safeguarding your child's rights, regardless of the situation's complexity.

Just as vital as ensuring equitable access to water for students' well-being is securing access to legal counsel during school-related disputes to protect their rights and educational trajectory. Our team is primed to offer the legal support your child needs to flourish in their academic journey.

Is your child facing a school-related issue? Don't let their educational progress be compromised. Contact the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm, your trusted partners, for help navigating the intricate realm of education law. Call us today at (888) 535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.