Proposal to weigh children at school! Surely not?!

Proposal to weigh children at school! Surely not?!

As someone who works with children and adolescents with eating disorders, the idea of weighing a child in the school classroom is unimaginable!

The focus on weight can contribute to body image issues and further increase the risk of eating disorders. There is already so much pressure for children to look a certain way, this can only further impact their mental health.

There are other ways to monitor health that don't involve focusing on weight (monitoring overall well-being through physical activity levels, dietary habits, and general health) and can provide a more holistic view of a child's health.

Rather than measuring weight, schools could prioritise health education that promotes balanced nutrition, physical activity, and positive body image.

This approach can foster healthier habits without emphasising weight.