Major change in Polish schools? MEN responds to the Wprost survey. "This demand resonates"
A recent survey shows that a majority of Poles support making health education a mandatory subject in schools, prompting a response from the Polish Ministry of Education.
A recent survey conducted by SW Research for 'Wprost' asked Polish citizens whether health education should become a mandatory subject in schools. Currently, participation in health education classes in primary and secondary schools is voluntary, with only about 30% of eligible students attending these sessions. The survey results indicate a significant public interest in reforming health education, highlighting an important discussion point in Polish educational policy.
The findings reveal that 58% of respondents believe that health education, which is scheduled to be introduced as a mandatory subject in Polish schools by September 1, 2025, should indeed be compulsory. Additionally, 13.6% of participants think it should become mandatory only if the curriculum excludes sexual health components. However, there is also a notable minority, 20.1%, who oppose making health education a required subject, while 8.3% of respondents remain undecided on the matter. This mixed response reflects the complexities of integrating sensitive topics like health education into the school curriculum.
Following the survey's publication, Wprost reached out to the Ministry of National Education (MEN) for comments on these results. The Ministry's response is anticipated to consider the public sentiment shown in the survey, as the push for mandatory health education could potentially reshape the educational landscape in Poland. The implications of such changes may extend beyond educational circles, affecting public health awareness and students' well-being in the future.