Roles and Benefits of a School Wellness Programs

“Schools have more influence on the lives of young people than any other social institution except the family and provide a setting in which friendship networks develop, socialization occurs, and norms that govern behavior are developed and reinforced.”

- Healthy People 2010, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The aim of school wellness programs is to support and enhance the health and wellbeing of students and families by improving the school environment, policies, and educational opportunities. Indicators of poor health- such as hunger, substance abuse, physical inactivity, and violence- have been consistently shown to negatively impact academic performance and affect school attendance, grades and test scores, and the ability to learn and focus in class.[1]^,[2],[3],[4]

However, research shows that school health and wellness programs can have a positive impact on academic performance and educational outcomes, as well as improving students’ health outcomes and reducing high-risk behaviors.[5]^,[6],[7],[8]

School wellness programs provide a means for improving school health policies, curricula and programs that support the overall health and education of students, families, and their communities.  A school wellness program is a commitment to supporting the whole student, by addressing the physical and mental health of students as an integral component of learning, growing, thriving and succeeding.

[1] Swingle CA. The relationship between the health of school-age children and learning: implications for schools. Lansing, MI: Michigan Department of Community Health; 1997.

[2] Shephard RJ. Habitual physical activity and academic performance. Nutrition Reviews 1996;54(4 Pt 2):S32–S36.

[3] Mandell DJ, Hill SL, Carter L, Brandon RN. The impact of substance use and violence/delinquency on academic achievement for groups of middle and high school students in Washington. Seattle, WA: Washington Kids Count, Human Services Policy Center, Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington; 2002.

[4] Hanson T et al. Ensuring That No Child Is Left Behind: How Are Student Health Risks & Resilience Related To the Academic Progress of Schools? San Francisco, CA: WestEd; 2004.

[5] Murray NG, Low BJ, Hollis C, Cross AW, Davis SM. Coordinated school health programs and academic achievement: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of School Health 2007;77(9):589–600.

[6] Taras H. Nutrition and student performance at school. Journal of School Health 2005;75(6):199–213.

[7] Taras H. Physical activity and student performance at school. Journal of School Health 2005;75(6):214–218.

[8] Taras H, Potts-Datema W. Chronic health conditions and student performance at school. Journal of School Health 2005;75(7):255–266.