Introduction. The rise of diverse forms of deviant behavior among students necessitates the search for resource-based, environmental prevention methods. In this context, the significant, yet methodologically under-recognised, potential of physical education and recreational activities requires an in-depth analysis of their fundamental principles, structure and mechanisms of influence. The aim of the study is to analyse and reveal the nature of physical education and recreational activities as a pedagogical means of preventing deviant behaviour. It also aims to identify the components of their systemic structure and describe the key psychological and pedagogical mechanisms of influence. Materials and methods. The study is theoretical in nature. Methods used included theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, comparative and contrastive methods, theoretical modeling, and structural-functional analysis. Results. The article explores the nature of physical education and recreational activities as a purposeful, pedagogically organized process integrating physical activity, health practices, and leisure interactions to foster personal and social resources that provide an alternative to deviance. A set of psychological and pedagogical mechanisms for preventive interventions was identified and systematized at three levels: personal-affective (cathartic release, positive self-affirmation), social-interactive (normative integration, positive identification), and activity-behavioral (learning new patterns, developing a conscious sense of corporeality). Conclusion. It was established that the preventative effectiveness of physical education and recreational activities is determined by their alternative-compensatory nature, value-rich nature, and social mediation. Realizing this potential requires a holistic approach that considers all components of the proposed model and the targeted activation of the described mechanisms. The obtained results provide a theoretical basis for redesigning physical education and recreational activities in educational institutions to strengthen their preventative function.