Schools

Schools have a key role to play in an antibiotic-smart society. Schools can increase knowledge about antibiotic resistance and the broad societal consequences of the problem.

Drawing of a house and young peopleSchools can also involve and prepare students and staff to be informed, active citizens and contribute to mitigating antibiotic resistance, now and in the future. From a broad educational perspective, antibiotic resistance is linked to many different topics and provides an opportunity to highlight and discuss different relevant societal topics. Examples include general health, sexual and reproductive health, access to medicines and health care, inequalities and sustainable development.

In total, there are seven criteria for schools. The criteria are based on a review of Swedish school curricula and teaching plans as well as dialogues with school staff. The criteria focus on educating and involving students, staff, knowledge sharing, as well as increasing support from school leadership.

Examples of criteria for schools:

Education & activities for students

  • The school uses educational materials and activities that provides in-depth knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance when these topics are mentioned in the teaching plans.
  • The school arranges one or more activities with a focus on health, infections, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance complimentary to regular teaching.

Organisation & professional development

  • The work with criteria should be supported by the school leadership. School leadership should encourage engagement, professional development and education about infection, spread of infections, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.

Sharing of knowledge and experiences

  • The school shares learnings from the work with antibiotic-smart criteria and exchanges experiences.