School-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review of Impact on Child and Adolescent Health Outcomes

Abstract School-based interventions are increasingly recognized as essential strategies to address the growing burden of physical, mental, and behavioral health challenges among children and adolescents. Schools provide structured environments that can reach large populations early in life and sustain preventive strategies over time. This review synthesizes evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2015 and 2025, assessing the impact of school-based interventions on health outcomes including obesity prevention, mental health, and behavioral well-being. The evidence demonstrates that such programs provide modest but clinically meaningful improvements in body mass index (BMI), anxiety and depression symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and risky behaviors such as smoking and bullying. However, heterogeneity in program design, follow-up length, and regional contexts limits comparability. Overall, school-based interventions remain a cornerstone of preventive health care in young populations, and efforts should now prioritize equity, sustainability, and cultural adaptability.