One in four primary school children in the country is now overweight, according to figures published this week by the national public health institute, up from one in five a decade ago. In response, the health ministry has proposed stricter rules for school canteens, vending machines and physical education.
The proposal, sent out for consultation on Monday, would ban the sale of sugary drinks and sweets in all primary and secondary schools, set minimum standards for vegetables, fruit and whole grains in school meals, and require at least one hour of physical activity every school day.
What would change in schools
Canteens would have to offer free water at every meal and serve fried food no more than once a week. Vending machines could sell only water, milk, fruit and unsweetened snacks. Schools would receive extra funding to hire trained kitchen staff and buy fresh local produce.
Children eat at least one meal a day at school. If that meal is healthy, we change the habits of an entire generation.
Marta Kovalenko, health minister
The ministry also wants regular health checks in the first, fourth and seventh grades, including weight and height, with results shared only with parents and the school doctor.
Mixed reactions
Pediatricians welcomed the plan. “Excess weight in childhood is not about appearance. It raises the risk of diabetes, joint problems and low self-esteem,” said Dr. Tobias Renner, a pediatrician in Northvale. He stressed that the focus should be on the environment around children, not on blaming families.
Some parents’ associations are wary of the checks. “We support healthier food, but weighing children at school can be stressful for those who are already self-conscious,” said Ivana Sorel of the national parents’ council, who asked for the results to be handled with great care.
Head teachers raised practical concerns. Many schools in older buildings have small gyms and no room for an extra hour of sport. The ministry says the activity could also include outdoor play, walking and dance.
What parents can do now
Experts advise families not to wait for new rules. Water instead of juice, regular family meals, limits on screen time and an hour of active play a day all help. Parents worried about their child’s weight should talk to their pediatrician rather than putting a child on a diet.
The consultation runs for six weeks, after which the proposal goes to the National Assembly. If approved, the rules would take effect at the start of the next school year.
Comments 3
Healthy meals are great, but who pays? Our school kitchen can barely afford the basics now.
About time. My son’s school still sells chocolate bars at the entrance.
Please be careful with the weighing. Kids can be cruel to each other.