Virginia Law

A. Physical and health education shall be emphasized throughout the public school curriculum by lessons, drills, and physical exercises, and all pupils in the public elementary, middle, and high schools shall receive as part of the educational program such health instruction and physical training as shall be prescribed by the Board and approved by the State Board of Health. Such health instruction shall incorporate standards that recognize the multiple dimensions of health by including mental health and the relationship of physical and mental health so as to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behavior that promote health, well-being, and human dignity. Such health instruction may include an age-appropriate program of instruction on the safe use of and risks of abuse of prescription drugs that is consistent with curriculum guidelines developed by the Board and approved by the State Board of Health. Such health instruction shall also include the following topics:

1. General themes of life skills, including self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness;

2. Signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges;

3. Mental health wellness and healthy strategies for coping with stress and negative feelings, including conflict resolution skills;

4. The importance of and guidance on seeking assistance from an adult or mental health professional, including information on services offered within the school or the local school division;

5. The prevalence of mental health challenges and the importance of overcoming common stigmas surrounding such mental health challenges;

6. The connection between mental health and substance use disorders; and

7. The importance of mental health to the student's overall well-being, including physical health and academic success.

B. The Board shall develop Standards of Learning and curriculum guidelines for research-based hazing prevention instruction to be provided as a part of physical or health education instruction provided to students in grade nine or 10. Such Standards of Learning and curriculum guidelines for such research-based hazing prevention instruction shall include age-appropriate, extensive, and current education about hazing, including (i) examples of hazing; (ii) the dangers of hazing, including the consequences of alcohol intoxication; and (iii) school policies and laws relating to hazing, including criminal penalties and bystander intervention.

C. Each local school board shall provide as a part of physical or health education instruction provided to students in grade nine or 10 research-based hazing prevention instruction in accordance with the Standards of Learning and curriculum guidelines developed by the Board pursuant to subsection B. Such research-based hazing prevention instruction shall be offered in person, provided that each local school board shall provide options for virtual participation for any student who is enrolled in an online or virtual physical or health education program.

D. Each school board may provide, as a part of health instruction offered pursuant to subsection A, at such grade level in grades four through eight as the school board deems appropriate, a program of instruction on menstrual education.

Code 1950, §§ 22-237, 22-243; 1980, c. 559; 1991, c. 178; 2018, cc. 392, 393, 490; 2024, cc. 7, 144, 741, 812.