Last update:
04-Jun-2021

In the light of recent discussions regarding the use of surgical masks as a means of protection against the spread of new coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) in the school environment, this paper reviews the wider literature on health promotion and health education in schools. Childhood and adolescence represent a crucial stage of human development with regards to the adoption and consolidation of behaviors, and the role of their teachers is important. The implementation of health promotion and health education programs in the school environment is, therefore, paramount. Representative examples of health education and health promotion programs are provided, focusing on tobacco consumption, exercise, healthy eating behaviors, accident prevention, sex education and mental-emotional health. The role of such programs in the protection of children's health is evaluated, and the possibility of their integration in the Greek school curriculum is discussed.

Key words: Accidents, Health education, Health promotion, Prevention, School environment, Smoking.