Student health and wellbeing

A.R. Luria, the great Soviet psychologist, died recently. Lurra and other members of the Moscow school of psychology developed a theory about the relationship between speech and behaviour which has been remarkably influential. Not everyone agrees with the Moscow school, of course, but Reg Marsh, a Professor of Education at Victoria University, is one of those who thinks that their ideas  offer helpful explanations not usually provided by other perhaps more conventional treatments of the relationship between speech and behaviour.

It describes different types of solvent abuse, lists some of the signs and symptoms of sniffing, and makes some practical suggestions about ways of dealing with sniffing 'epidemics'. It is intended primarily for teachers and principals, but other professionals, including  those in health areas, may find it useful as background, especially in advising and counselling worried parents.

It is not always clear how the educational system can best alleviate the feelings of stress and pressure on young people, especially in their final year. Here the students have their say.

Findings from a British anti-bullying programme which show the importance of approaching bullying as a set of relationships and the need to harness young people's natural development of empathy to combat bystander apathy.

Changes to the school athletic carnival that allow all children (not just the athletically able) to gain physical, social, and emotional skills that provide positive self-esteem, and encourage continued physical activity as part of their lifestyle.

Over 800 adolescents were asked their opinions of school-based sexuality education. Although this controversial topic will affect all young students in some way or other, their voices are not often heard.

The principal health education writer of the Draft Health and Physical Education Curriculum shares the theoretical background that underpins the document, and explains the process involved in developing a new curriculum.