National strategies

Italy promotes healthy lifestyles among young people through strategies addressing nutrition, physical activity, mental and sexual health, and the prevention of risky behaviours. These strategies are coordinated mainly by the Ministry of Health, often in cooperation with other ministries and regional authorities, and rely on strong intersectoral collaboration.

The National Prevention Plan (Cf. 7.3), developed by the Ministry of Health in agreement with the Regions, is the main strategic framework guiding health promotion and disease prevention in Italy. It identifies schools as key environments for intervention and includes specific actions targeting adolescents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The plan is monitored annually via a digital platform and operates on a four-year cycle. The current 2020-2025 Plan contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which promotes a holistic approach to economic, social, and environmental well-being.

Another key programme is Gaining Health (Guadagnare Salute) (Cf. 7.3). Launched in 2007 and coordinated by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with other institutions, it promotes healthy behaviours in everyday life by addressing diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol use. The programme pays particular attention to young people through school-based projects and awareness campaigns. Its impact is evaluated via national surveillance systems such as the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey.

The Guidelines for a Healthy Diet, developed by the Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of the Agricultural Economy (Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria – CREA) under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, provide evidence-based nutritional recommendations for the Italian population, including a section dedicated to young people. 

Encouraging healthy lifestyles and healthy nutrition for young people

In Italy, several national programmes and initiatives promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition among young people, with particular attention to physical activity, healthy eating habits, and the prevention of risky behaviours such as smoking and alcohol use. These programmes and initiatives are implemented in schools and communities through structured partnerships and dedicated funding.

Scuola Attiva is a multisport educational programme promoted by Sport e Salute and the Ministry of Education and Merit, in collaboration with the Minister for Sport and Youth, with the involvement of National Sports Federations and Associated Sports Disciplines. The project aims to introduce students in all lower secondary school classes to a wide range of sports and movement-based activities during school hours. It promotes inclusive participation, physical well-being, and the adoption of active lifestyles from an early age (Cf. 7.3). 

Scuole che Promuovono Salute is a project developed by the Ministry of Health which targets primary and secondary schools, forming a network of health-promoting schools. Participating schools are committed to integrating health education principles, including proper nutrition and the prevention of risky behaviour, into curricula and school policies.  Activities include the creation of environments that support healthy behaviours and the implementation of school policies aimed at reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods.

No smoking, be happyis a project by the Veronesi Foundation aimed at combating smoke across all age groups. The programme reaches thousands of students across Italy through classroom sessions, interactive materials, and expert-led discussions. It encourages critical thinking, empowers youth to make informed choices, and provides scientific evidence on the harmful effects of traditional and electronic cigarettes. The initiative is supported by public and private partnerships and has been recognised as a good practice in tobacco prevention.

Health education and healthy lifestyles education in schools

In Italy, health education is integrated into the national curriculum through a cross-curricular approach, particularly within subjects such as natural sciences, physical education, and civic education.

Law 107/2015 promotes the enhancement of physical education and the development of behaviours inspired by a healthy lifestyle, with particular emphasis on nutrition, physical activity, and sport. It also pays special attention to safeguarding the right to education for students engaged in competitive sports.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Merit and the Ministry of University and Research, developed the Integrated Policy Guidelines, approved by the State-Regions Conference. These guidelines aim to strengthen the collaboration between the education and healthcare systems, taking into account objectives, stakeholders, resources, and both humanistic and scientific knowledge, and guiding efforts toward the co-design and co-creation of inclusive, stimulating, and innovative educational environments.

In February 2022, the Ministry of Education and Merit and the Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the protection of the rights to health, education, and inclusion. The agreement outlines a joint pathway for knowledge-building and training within schools, supporting students’ comprehensive development and well-being.

Concerning sexual education and personal relationships education, there is no mandatory national curriculum. However, these topics are sometimes included in broader health education or civic education activities, and their implementation is encouraged through partnerships with Local Health Authorities.

Peer-to-peer education approaches

Peer-to-peer education is increasingly recognised in Italy as an effective approach for promoting health awareness and responsible behaviour among young people. It is particularly used in areas such as mental health, sexual and reproductive health, prevention of substance abuse, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. It is supported through national programmes and regional initiatives, often in collaboration with schools and Local Health Authorities.

For example, in the Lombardy Region peer education interventions are implemented across all Local Health Authorities. Peer educators are trained to raise awareness and promote the prevention of risky behaviours, including those related to relationships, sexual health, and substance use. The Local Health Authority of Piacenza is also actively engaged in peer education projects within upper secondary schools that are part of the Network of Health-Promoting Schools.

Funding for these programmes comes from multiple public sources, including the Ministry of Education and Merit, which supports initiatives promoting health and well-being in schools. Additionally, regional authorities and Local Health Authorities (ASLs) provide financial support for local prevention and health promotion projects. These initiatives also receive support from public health budgets and are aligned with broader national strategies, such as Gaining Health (Guadagnare Salute) (Cf. 7.3).

Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms often include pre and post intervention surveys, teacher and student feedback, and reporting by health professionals or school coordinators.

Collaboration and partnerships

In Italy, the development and implementation of health and well-being strategies for young people rely on strong collaboration across multiple levels of governance. 

The national Government, through the ministries, works in close partnership with the Regions, the Autonomous Provinces, the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI), the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), the National Institute for Occupational Accident Insurance (INAIL), the Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of the Agricultural Economy (CREA), as well as associations and NGOs.

The Local Health Authorities (ASLs) also play a key role in promoting youth health by partnering with schools and supporting tailored programmes, ensuring that national strategies are effectively translated into concrete actions across communities.

Raising awareness on healthy lifestyles and on factors affecting the health and well-being of young people

In Italy, public institutions at national and regional levels are actively involved in raising awareness about healthy lifestyles and youth well-being. 

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Merit are the main authorities responsible for disseminating information, often in collaboration with Local Health Authorities and schools. Information is made available through official websites, school-based materials, and social media platforms.

While there is no single nationwide contact point for youth health information, many regions operate school-based counselling services and psychological support desks, particularly in upper secondary schools. These are publicly funded and integrated into broader youth well-being policies.

National and regional institutions promote youth-focused awareness campaigns such as No smoking, be happy, Gaining Health (Guadagnare Salute) (Cf. 7.3) and various sexual health and substance abuse prevention initiatives promoted by Local Health Authorities. For example, as part of the national programme Gaining Health, a wide range of health promotion materials has been distributed to support awareness-raising and education efforts, providing accessible, evidence-based information on healthy lifestyles.