Health for children: New school subject as a warning sign for parents!

The 2024 Child Health Report published yesterday by the Child Health Foundation revealed alarming trends among school children. In particular, attention is drawn to an increasing number of chronic illnesses, obesity and psychological stress. In order to meet these challenges, the introduction of a new school subject “Health” is proposed. The German Nursing Council sees this subject as an opportunity to strengthen prevention and health promotion in schools.

In a survey in Ellwangen and Aalen, residents commented on the suggestions regarding health as a school subject. Maria Hauser warned that the introduction of such a subject could be an indication to parents of existing health problems in their children. Her opinion is supported by Jutta L., who emphasizes the importance of self-care and body awareness for children. Hans L. suggested that health aspects should be increasingly integrated into physical education lessons, while Helga Stelzer is of the opinion that the responsibility for children's health lies primarily with parents, not with schools.

Health and school system

The discussion about a separate school subject also raises concerns that such an introduction could potentially shorten other subjects such as math, German or English. Maren N., on the other hand, does not believe it is necessary to introduce a separate subject, but advocates that the topic of health should be taken into account in the educational mandate of schools. The foundation also calls for long-term and sustainable anchoring of health in the school system.

The data from the report is alarming: 15 percent of German primary school children are overweight. Only 10.8 percent of girls and 20.9 percent of boys manage to achieve the 60 minutes of daily exercise recommended by the WHO. In addition, up to 20 percent of students suffer from mental illnesses that require treatment, as shown in the 2024 children's health report, which [Schwäbische] reported. For more detailed information, a presentation is also available on the foundation's website, which provides further details on the health challenges children face, as [kindergesundheit.de] documents.