ChalkFace has been regularly reporting on efforts to tackle child obesity so this article from the NZHerald raises an interesting question: How far should schools go in trying to tackle growing rates of obesity and can they go too far and just be hurting normal childhood?
A West Australian primary school been branded "un-Australian" over its "offensive" decision to ban cupcakes and lolly bags for birthdays. Arbor Grove said it would be banning "cupcakes, lolly bags or other unhealthy options for students to share with their classmates" for birthdays from Monday.
The school said while it acknowledged its decree "may not be a universally popular decision" it would prevent several problems at the school.
It would "avoid the risk of a child suffering a potentially life-threatening health issue," be "respectful to the culture diversity" of the school, as well as supporting the WA education department's policy on "healthy food choices for students."
So what do you think? Is this a good decision that other schools should follow or is it over reacting and unnecessarily spoiling a child’s fun?
Photo / Image Credit
"Toddler putting finger in chocolate muffin" under licensed - Creative Commons Zero - CC0
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