A young girl with a nosebleed, holding a tissue under her nose.
July 16, 2025
The Right Way to Stop a Nosebleed: What Parents and Teachers Must Know 
A young girl with a nosebleed, holding a tissue under her nose.

How to Stop a Nosebleed – The Right Way for Parents and Teachers

DO NOT tilt your head back—do this instead. 

Nosebleeds are common in children, especially in schools and active environments. While they might seem alarming, most are minor and easily managed—if you know the right way to respond. Unfortunately, many well-meaning adults still follow outdated advice, like tilting the head back. This can actually do more harm than good. 

Here’s what every parent and teacher should know about correct first-aid care for nosebleeds. 

 

What Not To Do 

Never tilt the head back. This can cause blood to flow down the throat, leading to nausea, coughing, or even choking. It can also make it hard to gauge how much blood is being lost. 

 

First-Aid Tips: The Right Way to Stop a Nosebleed 

  1. Stay calm and reassure the child. Anxiety can increase blood pressure, making the nosebleed worse. 
  1. Sit them down and lean them slightly forward. 
  1. Pinch the soft part of the nose (just below the bridge) with thumb and index finger. 
  1. Hold the pressure for 10 minutes without checking. 
  1. Encourage breathing through the mouth. 
  1. After 10 minutes, release and check if bleeding has stopped. If not, repeat once more. 

Still bleeding after 20 minutes? Seek medical help immediately. 

🔗 More from Healthdirect on nosebleeds 

 

Extra Tips for Teachers and Parents 

  • Avoid nose-blowing or sniffing after the bleeding stops. 
  • Don’t insert tissues or objects into the nostrils. 
  • Use a cold compress on the bridge of the nose to help constrict blood vessels. 
  • Monitor for frequent nosebleeds, which may be a sign of dry air, allergies, or a more serious condition. 

🔗 KidsHealth: Nosebleeds in Children 

 

Prevention = Safety 

  • Use a humidifier at home or in the classroom. 
  • Teach kids not to pick or rub their nose. 
  • Keep fingernails trimmed to prevent accidental injury. 
  • Encourage hydration and avoid dry environments. 

 

When to Worry 

Call for help or visit a doctor if: 

  • The nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes. 
  • Bleeding is very heavy or involves other injuries. 
  • The child feels dizzy, faint, or weak. 
  • Nosebleeds are happening more than once a week. 

 

Final Word 

First-aid knowledge is essential for every caregiver, especially when kids are involved. Following evidence-based steps can make a major difference in both comfort and safety. 

Want to learn more lifesaving tips? Browse our other first-aid resources for schools and parents. 

 

Sources 

Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Nosebleeds. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nosebleeds 

KidsHealth. (n.d.). Nosebleeds. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nosebleeds.html 

Australian Resuscitation Council. (n.d.). Guidelines. Retrieved from https://resus.org.au/