WHY HEALTH & WELLNESS MATTER FOR SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN

Children grow fast, not just in height and weight, but in skills, emotions, thinking and social life. This is a critical phase where health, nutrition, activity, and mental wellness lay the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and happiness. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the school years are a critical window where healthy habits are formed and lifelong well-being is shaped.

 

What is “Health & Wellness”?

It is the state of total physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of an individual and not merely the absence of illness or infirmity.

Health and wellness include:

1.      Physical growth & nutrition: Appropriate weight for age, strong bones and adequate nutrients

2. Regular physical activity: Play sports and an active lifestyle
3. Sleep & rest: Good sleep supports learning, mood, and the immune system
4. Mental and Emotional health: Feeling safe, emotionally supported, able to manage frustrations, stress and peer relations
5. Preventive care: Hygiene practices, health screenings, avoiding risks and vaccinations.
6. Social wellness: Positive relationships with peers, teachers, and family.

 

Importance of health and wellness for children

1. Better Learning and Concentration: Healthy children are more alert, have better attendance, and perform better academically. Studies show that good nutrition and regular physical activity improve memory and focus.
2. Healthy Growth and Development: WHO highlights that children experience rapid physical and emotional changes. Proper diet, exercise, and sleep help them reach their full potential.
3. Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases: Unhealthy eating, lack of activity, and excess screen time can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health risks even at a young age. Early prevention makes a big difference.
4. Emotional Resilience: Mental wellness helps children manage stress from studies, exams, and peer pressure. Support at home and school builds confidence and self-esteem.
5. Building Lifelong Habits: The habits children form now, like eating vegetables, exercising, or limiting screen time, often continue into adulthood, influencing long-term health.

The Risks of Ignoring Wellness

1.      Frequent illness and low immunity.

2. Poor growth (underweight, overweight, or stunted).
3. Difficulty in learning and poor academic performance.
4. Anxiety, stress, or social withdrawal.
5. Early onset of health problems like obesity or diabetes.

 

Family Strategies for Wellness and Well-being

For Parents:

1. Provide balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
2. Encourage at least 1 to 2 hours of active play or sports daily.
3. Ensure proper sleep of at least 8-10 hours
4. Set healthy screen time limits and model good habits.
5. Support children emotionally by listening and being involved.

For Children:

1. Eat a rainbow of foods for strength and energy.
2. Play outdoors or do sports every day.
3. Talk about your feelings with parents, teachers, or friends.
4. Keep a good sleep routine to stay fresh for school.
5. Wash hands, brush teeth, and stay clean to avoid illness.
   
   

Conclusion

Health and wellness are the foundation for success in school and life. As the WHO and paediatric research emphasise, the school years are a golden opportunity to establish good habits, protect against health risks, and ensure children grow into confident, capable, and healthy adults. By working together, parents, schools, and children, we can create a strong future where wellness is not an option, but a way of life.

Evidence-based research on health and wellness

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2020). Improving the health and development of school-age children and adolescents. Geneva: World Health Organisation. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/17-09-2020-improving-the-health-and-development-of-school-age-children-and-adolescents (Accessed 22 September 2025).

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2021). Physical activity and young people: Recommended levels of physical activity for children aged 5–17 years. Geneva: World Health Organisation. Available at: https://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_young_people/en/ (Accessed 22 September 2025).

American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP). (2019). Promoting healthy growth and development. HealthyChildren.org. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org (Accessed 22 September 2025).

-Blog written by Ngamnui Wangsa (First Step Pediatric Wellness)