Global standards for integrating health and well-being into the education system

The first global standard for integrating health and wellness into the education system was created in the face of increasing mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Researchers from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) Adolescent Health Center led the two-year project at the invitation of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational Organization. , science and culture (UNESCO). Two reports, released this week in Geneva, provide a benchmarking framework that supports the implementation of ‘.health “Promote School” aims to promote health and learning equally in all respects. school life.

MCRI professor Susan Sawyer said the impact of COVID-19 demonstrates a deep connection between children’s health, well-being and learning. School closing..

“In addition to the devastating impact on student participation, learning outcomes and educational transitions, there is growing global evidence of the impact of school blocks on children and adolescents. Mental distress Mental Health. “

“The students are worried Mental Health Disability increases the risk of dropping out of education altogether. While negatively affecting their career prospects, dropping out early is a risk factor for worsening the health of adults.

“Until now, the value of a school as an academic institution or school site has never been so valued. Social learningNot only, but also as a framework that can improve the health and well-being of students. “

MCRI’s Dr Monica Lanity said that a “health promotion school” aims to strengthen the capacity of the education system to provide a healthy environment for learning and work.

“This school-wide approach has been shown to benefit many aspects of learning, health and well-being,” she said. However, there is a significant gap between the ideals of health promotion schools and current practices. Schools often lack sufficient resources or have to rely on the efforts of a small number of motivated staff who have already reached capacity. “

The researchers developed eight “schools for health promotion” standards to guide the efforts of government and school management. It aims to improve policies and increase stakeholder engagement, investment, resources and participation.

Dr Ruth Aston of the University of Melbourne said the guidelines recognize the value of quality education and leadership practices that extend the school’s vision beyond the traditional emphasis on reading, l writing and arithmetic. ..

Professor Sawyer said the health and education departments must work closely together to implement these guidelines.

“This is arguably the biggest challenge facing health promotion schools, as the health and education sectors have historically been constructed from different DNAs. To a new workforce that can cover both sectors. Investments are urgently needed, ”she said.

This standard promotes both school and government policies and resources, school governance, leadership and community partnerships, an agenda that supports health and well-being such as nutrition and safety, equity and social security. diversity, and is linked to schools. It is intended for the social and emotional environment that provides medical services.