The Problem of Child Development in the UK - Essay Example

Child development and Childhood In UK, almost 2/3rd of total population is facing the problem of obesity. The obesity rate among the UK population has risen up by around 400% in the past 25 years. As declared by Committee for Health 2004, it is probable that children of this generation will be at high risk of death expectancy (Health Committee, 2004). Another research shows that in 2002, obesity rates in the UK were 6% among men whereas, 8% among women. But it is observed that by 2005 obesity rates had soared to 23% of males and 25% of females (Information Center, 2006). The issue of childhood obesity is one that is now far-reaching to the people and is predictable to be converted into one of the major problems of the next era. Through this in mind, our schools and colleges or institutes are taking the lead in struggle to decrease the possibility of our children falling rank of this trouble by creating the changes in their foodstuff and also by increasing their physical activities. The apprehension of childhood obesity has now arrived at such a point that all schools contained by England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are evaluating the ways in which they can deal with the trouble without setting up a nanny shape outlook. One of the most significant areas to talk about, when solving this trouble is: what kind of food our children are taking? In the last year or so Ofsted (the authorized organization for leading schools) has decided that proper amendments should be implemented to the type of food that is provided inside school cafeterias for the motive to help with fighting the problem of child obesity. One of their leading suggestions is that all eatery make an effort and serve their customers with a better substitute to the common set of choices which consist of chips, fried foods and carry away type of foods. Further schools have started working a plan of only permitting students to depart the limitations of the school at mealtime below the written statement of a parent or guardian so as to challenge and lessen their probability of buying these full of fat foods off place throughout their lunch time. Alterations are as well being made in the legislation which directs the use of dealing machinery in the school surroundings and the foodstuffs that they are permissible to give out; this is planned to hold back on those munchies and carbonated drinks which are prominent in alleged E numbers; E numbers are generally to be found in colorings and stabilizers. Certainly it is very hard to implement such a method to its fullest and schools rely greatly on the hold of their pupil’ parents in this try. Those kids who do not obtain gratis school foods and are served with a packed meal are requested to try and intend for an improved choice for example a sandwich, a bit of fruit, a yogurt and a non fizzy drink. A lot of the major superstore chains now provide for packed food for kids. Piece of the trouble with fatness in children is that it is a bit that occurs because of a heavy eating of not only full of fat and sugared foods, but also foods which are high in fake colorings and sweeteners. This is also extremely factual of fizzy drinks and fruit juices. To balance or lessen the affects of this food intake, schools are now offering to use more physical learning where probable. This will contain the normal course outline but can as well contain after school doings – where possible – for example swimming, football, physical exercises and tennis. The entire of these activities are excellent not only for serving children’s metabolism but as well for growing muscles, ligaments and exercising their airways. The government of UK keeping the hazards of obesity in mind has started some development programs namely “Child Development Programs” to decrease obesity in children. The Government expects that by 2014, the education, health and social care services will have successfully addressed the standards embedded within the Childrens National Service Framework (Craft, 2003). This framework aims to ensure that all young people have access to the services they need. This program has devised such a scheme that the children are provided with a perfect diet and at the same time are asked to exercise according to the diet. It urges the parents to provide their children with special instructions of not having a diet which consists of a higher amount of fats. The second step which would help in decreasing obesity is that the parents should encourage their children to participate in different kinds of sports. This encouragement would lead the children to play sports and would further lead to the churning of food and fat. This encouragement can prove very beneficial as the harmful effect of some food supplements such as fats could be decreased as these food supplements can get easily churned because of excessive sweat and working of the body. However one major institution i.e. school which needs to address the problem of obesity is not taken into confidence by the government (Hills, King, & Byrne, 2007). As elementary school aged children go through remarkable physical changes of all kinds, their food intake becomes a critical aspect of this growth and development. Involvement of the schools in instructing children about their diet can play a major role in affecting the issue of obesity. However these schools should also have the help of parents so that the avoidance strategies are applied to the children at both the places. The schools should discourage the children from having food in fast food restaurants. This is because research has proved that most of the meals that are being served in the fast food restaurants are rich in fat. In addition, their foods are usually low in iron, fiber, and vitamins, and extremely high in sodium. Unfortunately, youngsters are exposed to virtually thousands of junk food television commercials a year, and parents might as well accept the fact that occasionally their children are going to head for a fast food restaurant. However this issue can be curbed by the help of introduction of new policies in the schools. Schools are also, through the support of their Parent/Teacher links, supporting to teach parents as to the risks of childhood obesity and are at the present working in combination with Ofsted on a system known as the National Child Measurement Program. This plan intends to calculate the height and weight of a kid upon admission into schooling and go after their growth and progress during the years to expect and realize positive development connected with early days obesity. It is important to note that one of the causes Ofsted has built up this program is to make an effort and help fight not only early days obesity but the sicknesses linked with it: These contain Type 2 Diabetes, mental conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and also cardiovascular illnesses for example Asthma. The parents must think about registering their child in a demanding school they must ask about their strategy on childhood obesity and what steps they prefer to help children fight their obesity problems. UK schools may also play a great part if the parents take interest in it. For that, teachers and counselors must provide parents with sufficient knowledge about obesity and its dangers for the child in future. Schools must offer parent/teacher meetings and conferences to discuss the food intake of children within and outside the school. Schools may also offer a weekly canteen menu to the parents in order to make them believe that the school is really working for the good physical and mental wellbeing of their children. UK is trying to stop or reduce the continuous increase in obesity rate. Education is really helpful in solving this dangerous and longlasting problem if used in an appropriate and fruitful manner. Lavine & Ray (2006) observed that physical education gave awareness to the teachers about the strong effect of physical activities on better physical and mental condition of children. This means that teachers may not only motivate children to participate in more physical activities for their good performance but also for the sake of a healthier and active life at present and in future (Lavine & Ray, 2006). “Fundamentally sound school health and physical education programs can foster healthy behaviors (McGinnis et al, 1991)”. Creating healthy behaviors in the childhood period is much easy and useful than attempting to change unhealthy food and activity behaviors after stepping in the adulthood. “Schools could do more than perhaps any other single institution in society to help young people, and the adults they will become, to live healthier, longer, more satisfying, and more productive lives (Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, 1989)”. Reports similar to this should be regarded with high consideration and schools must always be ready to work for the welfare of children no matter what the issue is and how difficult it is to be solved. Bibliography: Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development. 1989. Turning points: Preparing American youth for the 21st century. Washington, DC: Author. Craft AW. (2003). The national service framework for children. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.). 326 (7395), 891-2. Great Britain. (2006). Statisitcs on obesity, physical activity and diet: England 2006. [London]: Information Centre. Hills, A. P., King, N. A., & Byrne, N. M. (2007). Children, obesity and exercise: prevention, treatment, and management of childhood and adolescent obesity. International studies in physical education and youth sport. London: Routledge. LaVine, M. E., and C. Ray. "PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF PETE MAJORS: DO THEY WALK THE TALK? " PHYSICAL EDUCATOR. 63. 4 (2006): 184-195. McGinnis JM, L Kanner, and C DeGraw. "Physical Educations Role in Achieving National Health Objectives." Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 62. 2 (1991): 138-42. Scotland. (2004). Annual report of the Health Committee for the Parliamentary year 7 May 2003 to 6 May 2004: 8th report 2004. Edinburgh: Stationery Office. Read More