As concern about childhood obesity continues, some schools have begun requiring that students be weighed and measured to have their Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. If a child’s BMI is high, a “report card” is sent home to the parents. Some feel that this goes beyond a school’s authority and responsibility.
“Calculating body mass index has nothing to do with teaching students history and English and math – things that public schools… would do well to focus on. it presumes – with no compelling rationale – that teachers are reliable trustees for health-related information, and that the public school system will offer reliable follow-up for those children deemed to be overweight or physically unfit.” [Source: Fox News]
Opponents of the practice also worry that it will further stigmatize kids who are overweight, and no real benefit will come as a result of the assessments.
Labels: schools, bmi, body_mass_index
Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton
