Dettol has partnered with the Sydney Opera House to present a school holiday event supporting children’s learning and encouraging positive hand hygiene habits, through the “power of play”. And they’re taking it national with a ‘how to’ guide for parents around the country. 
Hands On Art is a free, creative play-based program aiming to inspire kids to learn simple, important hand hygiene through imagination and creativity. Hosted by a team of local artists, including lead facilitator Curly Fernandez, the event is designed to get children thinking about the many ways their hands can help their imagination come to life – and the importance of keeping them clean.
Research from Dettol in partnership with Researchify identified that while one in three parents were concerned about germs, just over half (57%), were confident about starting hand hygiene conversations with their children.
“A kids most formative years are up to the age of eight years old, so this is a great time to teach them new habits,” says Mr Fernandez. “Doing so by engaging their imagination ensures those habits are retained, which is why Hands On Art is the perfect way to educate little ones on hygiene habits they can remember, while having a little – or a lot! – of fun.”
For families around Australia who might not be able to make it along to an event, Dettol is taking Hands On Art to your home, with an at-home ‘how to’. The at-home resource is promoted as the “perfect school holiday boredom buster”, stepping parents and kids through the creation of their own Hands On Art monster or maiden.
“Creating an art monster or maiden with your child is rewarding in so many ways,” says Reckitt Health ANZ Marketing Director Holly McCarthy.
“By harnessing the power of play through engaging and imaginative activities, children will develop a lifetime of hygiene habits in a nurturing and interactive environment. Learning these foundational life skills at an early age is also critical to helping stop the spread of germs and improving hygiene outcomes in the community.”
Hands On Art is a continuation of the partnership between the Sydney Opera House and Dettol, addressing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for all, with a spotlight on hygiene education. As a Global Goals Partner, Dettol supports the Winter Creative Play program and the Sydney Opera House Centre for Creativity, collaborating on engaging, interactive experiences for the next generation of Australians, focused on the importance of healthy habits.