The importance of health education

This month, campaigners urged primary schools to teach children about female genital mutilation (FGM) on the grounds that most girls who experience FGM are of primary-school age – the average age being 10 years old (p. 371). Teaching children in schools about health-related issues is hugely important; however, it is understandable that parents may question why, when, and how this is done. Until thorough health education is made part of the curriculum, sharing this information falls on the shoulders of parents in the home and health professionals in the healthcare service.

Education is vital to promoting health and preventing ill health, and no one knows that more than health professionals themselves; however, it is not up to them what gets taught in schools. From diet and exercise to sex and relationship education, this vital information will raise the next generation to be more active, compassionate and open-minded going into the future. At a time where the news can seem overwhelmingly negative and despairing, it gives me hope the think that next generation will enter adulthood better prepared for the realities of life.