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Are we raising a nation of cotton-wool kids?

Obsessive cleanliness could be taking the fun out of childhood for thousands of UK kids, reveals new research by leading antibacterial hand wipe brand, Sani+Hands.

Almost half of the parents surveyed said they find it tough keeping their kids and their homes germ free, and, with swine flu scare stories hitting the headlines on an almost daily basis, many don’t want to take any chances when it comes to beating bugs.  More than one in five had either stopped their children playing in muddy, dirty or messy places, touching railings on the bus, eating at friends’ houses or playing in public playgrounds.

However, experts at Sani+Hands have urged parents not to let fear of germs compromise their children’s natural development.

Ian Anderson, marketing director at Sani+Hands, said: “We’re being bombarded with health scares nowadays, so it’s no wonder that parents feel overwhelmed.  But the answer isn’t to keep children in a sterile, germ-free bubble:  kids need to be kids, and getting messy is all part of growing up! 

“The most important thing is to teach children good, basic hygiene – it’s all about using common sense and parental instincts rather than obsessive overprotection.  For example, people often forget that simply keeping hands clean is one of the best ways to stop the spread of infections from sniffles to swine flu.”  

Carolyn Longton, co-founder of Mumsnet, said: “The idea of cotton wool kids is a hot topic for discussion at Mumsnet.

“Most parents feel strongly that children should be able to play outside and get dirty but there is anxiety, particularly at the moment, about health and hygiene issues.

“Mumsnet welcomes anything that allows children their freedom and makes parents’ lives a bit easier at the same time.”

Press contact: Martha Duffin @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)