Nursery World - Parents fear children are exposed to junk food at school

A survey of by the Children’s Food Campaign highlights parents’ concerns that their children are learning to associate foods high in fat, salt and sugar with good behaviour at school.

A total of 140 parents, representing 241 children aged two-17, responded to the survey.

One concern highlighted by parents was that their children were being exposed to junk food at school.

One parent of a three-year-old said, ‘Make Scottish schools best practice zones schools are currently providing Yazoo milkshakes to children and allow them to bring high fat, sugar and salt snacks and lunches in.’

Another said, ‘Two ice-cream vans outside my kids’ school every day.’

Some parents suggested that schools should make children more aware of advertising strategies and teach them about processed foods and healthy choices. One parent said that schools and clubs should be banned from giving children junk ‘treats’.

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