RYHEALTH Focus Group Workshop: Finding Solutions Together for a Healthier Youth

On 14 January and 2 February 2025, RYHEALTH focus group workshops were held in Munich, bringing together parents, teachers, and other school staff. The goal was to introduce the RYHEALTH project and its four key areas – physical activity, nutrition, well-being, and sustainability – while collaboratively developing solutions to current lifestyle challenges faced by children and young people.

Participants discussed four central questions:

How do they perceive young people’s current lifestyles?
What obstacles prevent a more active and healthier life?
What strategies can help overcome these barriers?
How can they personally support their children or students?

Following an introduction to the RYHEALTH project, attendees shared their thoughts on these questions and engaged in lively discussions on potential solutions. The opportunity to explore different perspectives and develop practical ideas together was particularly valued.

Key Outcomes of the RYHEALTH Focus Group Workshops

Challenges:

Excessive social media use, lack of physical activity, and limited contact with nature
Unhealthy diets due to fast food consumption
Lack of PE lessons, long school days, and little time for activities
Parents often do not set a healthy lifestyle example

Solutions:

Strengthening schools as key institutions for promoting healthy habits
Improving school meals and increasing opportunities for physical activity
Using social media and influencers to raise awareness
Empowering parents and teachers as role models
Providing practical advice and support for parents

Close collaboration between schools, parents, and professionals is essential in achieving these goals.

A key takeaway was the need to allow more time for discussions in future workshops to explore these topics in greater depth. The positive feedback demonstrated that the workshop played an important role in raising awareness and strengthening dialogue between parents and schools.
RYHEALTH will continue fostering exchange with parents and professionals to develop sustainable solutions for a healthier upbringing for children and young people.

Author: Michaela Wiese, Campus di Monaco

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