The state and aims of physical education in public and higher education

Abstract

In the development of the health behaviour of the youth, effects of physical education on mental and physical health are far above the importance of other subjects in the public education. This paper reviews the state of physical education and school sports in Hungary, and in international contexts, focusing on their role in higher education, examines the extent to which higher education can contribute to enhancing health awareness and to the further promotion of a healthy lifestyle.Previous surveys confirm the positive effects of everyday physical education on children’s and young adult’s physical activity. Results clearly show that students developed a positive attitude to health issues in primary and secondary education and regard health as a value. It is very important to ensure that students in higher education can gain an even deeper understanding of the importance and the different factors and aspects of health promotion and how physical exercise can contribute to their mental and physical health.