Parents: Are your kids just pretending to wash their hands?

An overwhelming majority of parents think handwashing is vital to staying healthy, but many are pretty sure their kids aren’t practicing what mom and dad preach, results of a recent survey show.

As part of its annual Healthy Handwashing Survey, Bradley Corp. – a manufacturer of plumbing fixtures, restroom accessories and emergency equipment – surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults.

They found that only 1 out of 4 think their children wash their hands as much as they say they do. That may not come as a complete shock, however – 63% of the respondents admitted to ‘pretend’ handwashing as kids.

Other findings:

• 74% of the respondents said they wash their hands more frequently or thoroughly amid seasonal virus outbreaks.
• 54% ramp up their handwashing when they aren’t feeling well.
• 77% indicated they’re more conscious about handwashing when traveling or in an airport.
• The respondents reported washing their hands after using public restrooms 89% of the time, but 29% of the men said they don’t follow this practice.

“Regular handwashing throughout the day helps remove germs and viruses that can cause sickness,” said Michael McCann, professor and chair of the biology department at Saint Joseph’s University. “Hand hygiene is a simple and easy thing to do and shouldn’t be overlooked.”