Special programs to make students and teachers healthier

Many students suffer from health problems, but promote programs in schools can change the. According to a Friday study presented at the health insurance company DAK, and the Leuphana University in Lüneburg (lower Saxony). After that, each third of the more than 6000 students surveyed about headaches, sleep complained almost the problems, irritability or despondency. Also, bullying and Obesity problems, says the study. 43 per cent of 10 – to 18-Year-olds take part, thereafter, at least once in a month on so-called binge drinking, boys drink more often than girls. One out of every five students sat daily at least six hours in front of the TV. Often associated with school problems.

Exhaustion, Depression, Burnout

Teachers also have their Concerns. So every fifth of the more than 1200 respondents, educators thought, because of symptoms such as exhaustion, Depression, or Burnout at a early retirement. The good news is that health promotion can improve the Situation for students and teachers is palpable. “Nearly 70 percent of the participating facilities improved significantly in the direction of the healthy school,” said psychology Professor Lutz Schumacher, one of the project leaders of the Leuphana University. “A good and healthy school is characterised for us by a community that provides support, allows the user to identify and clear goals and values is characterized.”

Of the 30 participating schools in seven German States, 66.7 percent had achieved the objectives it set itself for the health of teachers and students. The proportion of according to its own assessment of “good healthy schools” increased five-fold from 7.4 to 40 percent. With the help of a three-year funding period, the share of so-called risk schools fell from 60 percent to 15 percent. From 2007 to 2013, the ongoing project the pupils of all school types, from primary school to professional attended institution. “We have students of all ages to achieve,” said Schumacher. “Many teachers, students and parents were involved over the years in the project.”

Anti-bullying programs can reduce Stress

Among the focal points of the project schools, for example, an improved food supply and nutrition consulting. In some places, has been integrated more exercise into the school day, with Sports festivals, Fitness passes, or new devices for the breaks. In the fight against Fears grief were hung in boxes. Peace and conflict solutions furnished rooms. Younger pupils Learning partnerships and mentor programs with Older were offered. Binding rules, Anti-bullying programs, and simply groups should reduce hassle and Stress. “Education and health are interdependent,” emphasize the authors of the study.

Previous studies have shown that the chances to grow up healthy, are unevenly distributed. So students with a low socio-economic status or immigrant background are significantly more likely to be overweight or psychologically striking. But it is also the focal point of the schools were able to benefit from the participation in the Project. “Schools in disadvantaged regions have been able to develop in comparison to schools with more favorable socio-economic conditions at least as successful to good healthy schools”, – stated in the final report.