Overview

• Only 10% of girls and 20% of boys in Germany meet the WHO's daily recommendation of 60 minutes of physical activity, according to the Kindergesundheitsbericht.
• 15% of children and adolescents in Germany are overweight or obese, with poor-quality school meals and limited movement opportunities contributing to the issue.
• Up to 20% of students suffer from treatable mental health conditions, but most schools lack adequate psychological support, with only six states meeting recommended staffing levels for school psychologists.
• Experts call for integrating health promotion into school structures, including better nutrition programs, expanded physical activity initiatives, and the addition of health professionals like school nurses.
• Germany ranks among the lowest in Europe for student health literacy, prompting calls for comprehensive education on health and well-being within the school curriculum.