Background: As summarized in this article, the widespread implementation of modern school health education (SHE) could become one of the most effective means available to improve the well-being of people in the United States and in other nations. However, the development and evolution of SHE largely remains unorganized, underdeveloped, and…

Ethical consumer health education is noncoercive and facilitates an individual's voluntary adoption of health improving behaviors. School-based consumer health education is necessary to prepare current and future consumers to safely and efficiently use the medical marketplace. (Author/CB)

The educational needs of an elementary school nurse differ from those of the high school or junior high nurse. (JD)

The impact of teen suicide on the survivors is discussed, and an outline is presented for educational and administrative postincident intervention guidelines for schools. (Author/CB)

The influence of the physical and economic presence of tobacco crops on smoking behavior and related attitudes of students in tobacco-raising regions was measured by a Tobacco Crop Intensity variable. Implications for government agricultural and educational policy are discussed. (Author/DF)

A curriculum designed to promote fire prevention and safety methods for both parents and teachers is described. Ways to help prevent fires are listed and sample curriculum objectives are given. (JN)

Presents a history of comprehensive school health education (CSHE). Though history records an interest in health from the beginning of time, the first movement toward CSHE occurred in the 1960s. Before the 1970s, no rigorous studies examined the effectiveness of CSHE curricula. The 1990s are witnessing strong support for CSHE. (SM)

This paper argues that, from theoretical and empirical perspectives, the most appropriate role the media can play in preventing drug abuse is to disseminate school-based programs of proven efficacy. Suggestions for linking mass media programming with school-based or community-based programming are offered. (Author/MT)

The sharp increase in double-income families has raised questions about responsibility for before- and after-school care for children of working parents. The role of the school, parental practices, effects of self care, and existing programs and services for latchkey children are reviewed. (MT)

Various plans, including direct delivery of primary health care in public schools, are being suggested due to concern about the health of this nation's school children. The development of the role of the school in health care is explored. Current trends in school health programs are discussed. (Author/DF)

This article reports on a study undertaken to determine if overweight, mentally retarded students could safely lose weight and maintain their individual losses through a given time period (six months). School personnel and parents instituted minor changes in nutrition and a simple activity program. (Authors/JMK)

Opinion research reveals that a majority of the parents and public endorse family life and sex education in the schools. (JD)

To examine sexuality education in Flanders, teachers and principals were surveyed at 400 secondary schools. Respondents had positive attitudes toward school-based sexuality education, but time devoted to it was too restricted. The teaching strategies were not effective enough to change attitudes and behaviors regarding contraception and AIDS…

This position paper recommends that schools include instruction about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome as part of a comprehensive health education program for grades K-12. State departments of education and public health agencies are urged to assist schools in this process. (JD)

This paper describes five key trends in the ways the rules for education are changing, the potential implications of the changes, and challenges for those promoting school health education. (SM)