Health, education joint study makes recommendations for schoolchildren
View(s):A joint comprehensive study conducted by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education has revealed several key areas that need to be addressed about excessive mobile phone use among schoolchildren, and poor parental engagement which was identified as one of the main issues adversely affecting schoolchildren in the country.
The study which was carried out over several months has identified key areas, and the government will begin to implement the recommendations shortly, Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne said.
On the issues of excessive mobile phone use and poor parental engagement, the study group has recommended that parents be educated on healthy technology use and balanced monitoring of mobile use by children through digital literacy campaigns, and initiating a wider dialogue on responsible digital behaviour and promote parent-child communications through multi-pronged media campaigns.
Among other key findings of the study is the high prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition, for which it was recommended that the school meal programmes be strengthened to include underprivileged secondary school students; improve dietary diversity; and address food insecurity by expanding financial and social support for poor families, the deputy minister said.
Other recommendations were to regulate school food environments like school canteens, and revise agriculture and trade policies to improve access to fruits and vegetables.
The study also identified physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour as a problem among schoolchildren and recommended a revision of the curriculum to include health and physical education for all grades, introduction of methods such as ‘active learning breaks’ between classes, both school and tuition classes as well as promotion of non-competitive sports and physical activities.
The study addressed rising mental health concerns and recommended the training of school counselors on detection of mental distress/issues and appropriate support and management, implementing activity-based curriculum, reducing academic stress, introducing team work and promoting a supportive school environment.
Substance abuse and its increasing risks to schoolchildren were identified, while sleep deprivation was also identified as affecting student performances.
The study found the prevalence of poor general and oral hygiene among schoolchildren, while injuries and violence was also covered by the study.
The study recommended the strengthening of road safety around schools, strengthening of education on cyber and digital safety to prevent cyber harassment, bullying or abuse while ensuring teachers carry out non-violent disciplinary measures and establish a mechanism to handle incidents of harassment, bullying or violence of all forms. (DWI)
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