Parents across the country are outraged by the return of school weigh-ins as proposed by the government according to an online toy retailer.
Online discount toy retailer Bargain Max conducted a social media poll asking parents across the country whether or not they believe the return of school weigh-ins should go ahead or not.
The poll received over 433 responses with over three-quarters believing that the return of school weigh-ins is an outrageous idea as a means to tackling obesity, with lots of parents feeling it could cause children anxiety and stress, as well as “fat-shaming”.
This follows from the recent news that the Government is considering a return of school weigh-ins in September across Primary Schools as the country tackles an obesity crisis.
Bargain Max spoke with parents on the matter:
Lisa Leighton-Wilson from Sheffield
My 7-year-old is already saying she is fat and not eating properly. She is not fat. It’s ridiculous to put this pressure on such young kids. Parents need support to help their kids not belittling.
Georgina Harrison, Northamptonshire
Children can be incredibly self-conscious and don’t need to be singled out in any way that could be felt like criticism. They don’t need encouragement to be so self-aware and possibly trigger conditions like anorexia! It can cause the opposite effect on occasion, where a child is told they’re overweight or cannot have a sweet or glass of pop, and then they become secretive while eating everything they can, gaining more weight than they would have done without the pointer to the fact. The best idea would be to think as a child would, before making these kinds of decisions.
Liz Mann, Leeds
I’ve worked in primary & secondary schools for over 30 years & this is such an abhorrent thing to put children through! Kids can be very cruel & bullying reaches new heights if a child is overweight, even by a little bit. I’ve had to deal with children who are bordering on suicide because of bullying, this just makes my heart sink.
Sandra Smith, York
Weigh-ins are a terrible idea, it causes unknown stress to the child and bullying progresses more, this can also be detrimental to the child’s mental health. I am disgusted that they are even thinking of weighing children; this should only be done by a doctor or at home under parental supervision.
Sally Davies, Tunbridge Wells, Worcestershire
This is not a “nanny state”! Parents should be encouraged to help their children and educate them on healthy eating. Weighing in school is not the answer
Bargain Max is helping families combat the obesity crisis by ensuring a wide range of outdoor toys and activities are available on-site, their Outdoor Event includes a range of toys that enable children to have fun and get fit at the same time. From scooters to trampolines or football nets to get your little ones kicking a ball whilst the Euros are taking place, Bargain Max hopes to encourage parents to purchase toys for active play, at bargain prices.
Alex Wooflstein, Senior Buyer at Bargain Max added:
“Following the recent funding from HSBC, we are in an excellent position to expand on our current product offering, and we know how important it is for families to help their children get back to playing and feeling fit.
We feel the best approach to doing this is by having fun, not necessarily by tracking a child’s weight. Exercise should be something we all enjoy and by encouraging children to play outdoors with their favourite toys and partaking in their favourite activities, we are more likely to see healthier, happier families.”
Bargain Max Outdoor Event can be viewed here: https://www.bargainmax.co.uk/outdoor-toy-event
Sources:
- A social media poll was conducted via Facebook, receiving over 433 responses with findings here: https://www.facebook.com/events/870497470210804/?active_tab=discussion
- Data is correct as of 30/06/2021 but a number of responses can rise as this is a growing debate.
