Promoting safety--a component in health promotion in primary and secondary schools.

Abstract

Accidents, especially accidents involving children or young people, are a key health problem that needs to find higher prominence in preventative measures. The school as the central socialisation institution plays a key role in the process of continual improvement. However, to date the prevailing approaches of technical accident prevention and behaviourled safety training have not led to sustained improvements in the safety of children and young people. This article presents the key elements and characteristics of a new approach that not only aims to make significant improvements in safety but is also aimed at schools having an improved perception of their key role--to instruct and educate. The authors assume that greater security can only be achieved in and through schools if safety promotion is at the same time school development. In this understanding, safety promotion focuses on the key players in the school and school life itself, and in particular endeavours to strengthen relationships and behaviour that promote safety and to minimise those that can have a negative effect. It emphasises practical changes to daily school life with regard to construction and fittings, education, training, organisation and politics, and involves the needs of everybody who lives and works at the school.