Trigger Warning: Talk about Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental and physical illnesses where a person experiences severe irregularities in their eating habits. This begs the question of what part our school systems play in harming the diet’s of growing adolescents. Children are more susceptible to being negatively influenced because of their currently-developing eating habits and their easily swayed image of health. Weighing young students can cause them to become more prone to being shamed or bullied as they are under social pressure of weighing less than a certain number. In addition, they are more likely to develop poor habits when it comes to nutrition, and their wellbeing.
Weighing kids in school builds adverse behavioural habits as it permits children to constantly compare weights. A study led by Natasha Schvey, Assistant Professor of Medical and Clinical Psychology at the Uniformed Services University, showed that out of 110 children and adolescents, 62% reported that they have been teased about their weight at least once. As schools begin to enforce rules about physical health, the number of students getting bullied will continue to increase; owing to the fact that weight gain has always been negatively perceived by the media. Overall, there is a significant concern when discussing screening in schools due to its potential harm to children in the form of teasing, body image sensitivity, and possible unhealthy dieting.
All students need to be physically active and eat well to be healthy, regardless of their body weight. When students are taught in a generalized format about proper eating habits that may only be realistic for one body type, it can be harmful for their mindsets. This method causes the focus to go from healthy living to attaining a ‘picture-perfect’ body. Furthermore, there are many contributing factors to the development of eating disorders that schools unintentionally foster, such as any pre-existing mental health concerns, low self-esteem, and physical health issues that contribute to loss of appetite. By screening and teaching growing adolescents that health only presents itself in one way, disregarding their personal circumstances, schools add to the rise in eating disorders.
As school systems continue to enforce rules of weight, shape, and level of physical ability, it is important to remember that the spotlight should be on health and wellness. Research done by the Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan shows that school programs are more effective in promoting students’ health if they include engaging physical activities (particularly the activities that coax participation), support healthy eating environments that service and aid the wellbeing of all students, and can accommodate appropriate dietary requirements for all cultures.
Ultimately, there is no doubt that the school system can improve the way weight and health are balanced when teaching proper diet and nutrition. By teaching a more holistic view of health, beyond simply the number on a scale, they can teach children how to take care and love themselves and their bodies. If good self-esteem and the correct habits are formed from a young age, not only is the future brighter for the individuals, but also for health systems and society as a whole.
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Published November 5, 2020
Written by Fiona Xu ~ Edited by Deeba Mehr ~ Graphics created by Jess Moerman
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