Health education: new subject, urgent needs

Ombudsman Marcin Wiącek has sent a letter to Education Minister Barbara Nowacka regarding a new school subject - health education. In his opinion, the appearance of this subject in the core curriculum is not only a response to current social needs, but also an implementation of the state's constitutional obligation to children and young people.

The ROP recalls that Article 68(3) of the Polish Constitution obliges public authorities to provide children with special health care. In turn, the preamble to the Law on Mental Health Protection states that mental health is a fundamental personal good of the human being, and its protection is one of the state's responsibilities. - The mental health of minors should be considered a key element of state action, Marcin Wiącek points out.

The introduction of a new subject - health education - from September 1, 2025, is intended to address the growing needs of young people. According to data, from 1997 to 2009, the number of people treated for mental disorders nearly doubled. Experts point out that mental health problems, including depression, are increasingly common, and the situation for children and adolescents is particularly alarming.

During the March meeting of the ROP's Expert Committee on Mental Health Protection, the topic of depression was one of the main themes. The assembled experts unanimously stressed the urgent need for preventive measures, especially aimed at young people.

The new subject is to cover topics such as addiction, peer and sexual violence, mood disorders, neurodiversity and disabilities, among others. This is content that until now has not appeared in any subject open to all students. Previously, similar topics may have been covered in family life education lessons or parenting hours, but not in a systematic and widespread way.

According to current assumptions, health education will be a voluntary subject, and schools will decide whether to introduce it into the timetable. The RPO understands that such a decision is within the ministry's regulatory freedom, but - given the scale of the problem - calls for covering as many students as possible with this teaching.

In this connection, the Ombudsman is asking the Ministry of Education:

• How does he intend to work to bring as many students as possible under this subject?
• Are there other activities planned to spread mental health awareness in schools?
• Are educational measures being considered for parents and legal guardians regarding the psychosocial functioning of children and adolescents?

Source: RPO