China has unveiled an ambitious five-year plan to boost the health of children and teens. This plan tackles five major issues: obesity, vision problems, mental health, spinal curvature, and dental health.
Issued by the National Health Commission along with 12 other departments, the plan aims to lower obesity rates among youth by 2030. It also sets a target of having at least 60% of primary and secondary school students meet national fitness standards.
To help achieve these goals, medical facilities will support better weight management from prenatal care and offer nutrition guidance. Primary care will focus on healthy feeding assessments for kids under 6. Schools must incorporate nutrition and physical education into their lessons and regularly check students’ height, weight, and waist size. Any signs of growth issues or obesity will prompt referrals to hospitals.
Students should get at least two hours of physical activity daily and learn one or two sports skills. Additionally, local sports authorities will expand youth sports events to ensure year-round activities.
Addressing vision issues, China plans to improve refractive screening for kids and teens. By 2030, the aim is to keep the myopia rate for 6-year-olds around 3%. For primary school students, the goal is below 32%, while junior high students should be under 60%, and senior high students less than 70%. Schools will enhance eye health care and encourage outdoor activities while limiting screen time.
The need for these measures is clear. In 2020, data showed an overweight rate of 6.8% for kids under 6 and 11.1% for those aged 6 to 17. Obesity rates were 3.6% for the younger group and 7.9% for the older. While overweight rates for children under 6 have seen a decline, the trend is reversing for older kids, indicating an immediate need for action.
Myopia is also a pressing concern. In 2020, over half of all children and teens—52.7%—were affected by it. This was a slight decrease from 2018, thanks to coordinated prevention measures.
Mental health is another focus. The plan aims for 90% of children under 6 to receive psychological monitoring by 2030. Schools are required to have mental health educators and conduct at least one related activity every year.
To promote bone and spinal health, preschoolers are encouraged to engage in three hours of physical activity daily, while older students should aim for at least 60 minutes of exercise, including muscle-strengthening routines. Annual checks for spinal curvature will be implemented for students aged 10 to 16.
Finally, to tackle dental health, the plan seeks to boost oral health education and conduct annual dental exams to prevent tooth decay. By 2030, effective measures for dental decay in children aged 5 and 12 are expected to be in place.
These initiatives highlight China’s commitment to improving youth health by addressing critical issues early on. With focused efforts from medical and educational sectors, a healthier future for the next generation is in sight.
