My Say Kids need support, not scales By Peter Burns
THE compulsory weighing of kids in primary schools would be a backwards step in the battle against childhood obesity ("Kids face pinch test", April 11).
The YMCA believes that monitoring a child's weight has no place in helping to keep children fit, healthy and happy. Kids need to feel positive about themselveds, and stepping on scales is a negative, anxiety-producing habit to encourage in our young.
A better investment would be to create more supportive environments that would enable all children to enjoy being physically active and would also educate them about nutrition and healthy food choices.
Every week the YMCA creates opportunities for thousands of children to enjoy recreation through schools and outside school hours programs, aquatic education, recreation centres, and creche and childcare centres.
The aim is to help kids feel good about themselves and to enjoy healthy and active lives now and in the future.
Weigh-ins only encourage a culture of fear and competitiveness