Primary Prevention

First, a working concept of primary prevention is presented and the need for greater emphasis on such programming is developed. Children are seen as logical prime targets for primary prevention program efforts and schools are considered to be natural sites for such programming. Examples are given of ongoing work in: (a) early detection and intervention, (b) programs based on the helper-therapy principle, (c) mental health education, (d) competence training, (e) social system analysis and modification, and (0 stress reduction and coping with stress, each an area thought to hold special potential for future primary prevention work with young children in schools.