Chjihen Chai

In recent years, we can see a noticeable decline in health of students not only in Russian schools, but in foreign countries as well. The primary cause of this dynamics is an inappropriate lifestyle manifested in insufficient physical activity, improper nutrition and stress caused by academic workload. Existing measures to support and stimulate healthy lifestyles do not show proper results. The health-saving approach in education has not yet achieved full effectiveness although it has some potential. Its organizational and methodological base is under development and requires adaptation to modern educational trends. In addition, there is a need for a clearer definition of the roles of school and family in the process of valeologization of the educational process. Therefore, the development of a valeological culture, as well as the modernization of the valeological approach in educational organizations is an urgent socio-pedagogical issue. The aim of the study is to analyze the significance of the development of a valeological culture for the health of students as a factor of the sustainable development of the Russian society and to identify effective methods of health culture formation in the school education system. The research is based on systemic, empirical and pragmatic approaches. The leading methods in the study are theoretical (analysis, synthesis), and empirical (questionnaire survey, comparison). In the course of the study, 96 secondary school students (6th-9th grades) were surveyed in order to assess the compliance of various individual aspects of their lifestyle with the principles of a healthy lifestyle. The results showed definite trends in the change of students' lifestyles. In particular, a decrease in motor activity, an increase in negative attitudes towards rational nutrition and an increase in predisposition to chemical addictions are observed among students in grades 6–9. These data emphasize the need to strengthen preventive measures against unhealthy lifestyles and popularization of valeological knowledge among students. Theoretical significance of the study consists in the prepared characterization of the current state of the problem, which will make it possible to conduct better theoretical studies devoted to the peculiarities of the development of health culture and healthy lifestyle. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the results can be used by teachers and social workers to carry out preventive work and develop scientific and methodological recommendations.