Schools Get Major Health Overhaul by 2035

The Ministry of Education has introduced new guidelines to cultivate "healthy schools" nationwide, prioritizing student physical activity, mental well-being, and food safety.

The initiative, set to fully materialize by 2035, mandates a minimum of two hours of daily physical activity for all primary and secondary students, alongside mandatory 15-minute breaks. Mental health support will be bolstered through a new national monitoring and early warning system for psychological issues.

Further measures target myopia prevention, especially in younger grades, and a plan to combat childhood obesity through balanced meals and integrated exercise. Strict food safety protocols, including shared meals and parental oversight, are also emphasized. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) will be installed, and life safety education will be integrated into the curriculum.

This "health first" philosophy aims to shift the educational focus from scores to holistic student development. By 2027, pilot healthy schools are expected to be established, with the goal of widespread adoption by 2030. The Ministry reported a 9.3 percentage point increase in student physical health excellence rates since 2016 and a decline in the national student myopia rate to 50.3% in 2024.