How Can School Children Help Parents Understand Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem, especially in places like Ghana, where antibiotics are often misused. When antibiotics stop working, infections become harder to treat, putting everyone at risk.

But how can we teach families to use antibiotics correctly?

Appiah and colleagues (2022) explored a creative solution: schoolchildren as teachers.

They worked with kids aged 11–15 in Ghana, who learned about antibiotic resistance through storytelling and drawing. These children then shared what they learned with their parents.

The researchers also created a short animation based on the kids’ ideas to explain why misusing antibiotics is dangerous.

The results were mixed. Parents whose kids used storytelling improved their understanding that “antibiotics don’t cure all infections.” However, some parents became more confused about whether antibiotics harm good bacteria. The animation helped shift attitudes but didn’t always improve knowledge.

The study shows that kids can influence their parents’ views on antibiotics, especially when storytelling is involved. But clearer messaging is needed to avoid misunderstandings. Future programs should make sure lessons are simple and accurate.

School children in Ghana taught parents about antibiotic misuse through stories and drawings. While parents’ attitudes improved, some facts were misunderstood, showing the need for clearer, engaging health education.

Bernard Appiah , Lucy Asamoah-Akuoko Elfreda Samman, DrPH, Augustina Tweneboah-koduah, Irene Akwo Kretchy, Julius Ludu, Gloria Odonkor, Su Hyun Nam and Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt Luchuo Engelbert Bain Nigeria Health Watch EUPHA – European Public Health Association IOSHM (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health Management) American Public Health Association Society for Social Medicine & Population Health Students for Global Health International Society of Global Health Doctors for Global Health IFMSA | International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations Public Health Insight Global Health Council Global Health Association of Kenya (GHAK) Social Epidemiology Lab