Should soda be banned from school?The average 12-ounce soft drink contains about 10 teaspoons worth of sugar! Such sugary drinks are also high in calories--but low in nutrients (substances that give energy and build tissue). Many experts say there is a link between the rising consumption of sweetened sweet·en v. sweet·ened, sweet·en·ing, sweet·ens v.tr. 1. To make sweet or sweeter by adding sugar, honey, saccharin, or another sweet substance. 2. To make more pleasant or agreeable. drinks and the spike in childhood obesity childhood obesity Public health Overweight in a child, an average BMI of ≥ 85% for age and sex; ≥ 95% for age and sex is very obese. See Body-mass index, Obesity. Cf Adult obesity. . One out of every six kids in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. is overweight, which means they are at risk of developing diabetes and other serious illnesses. Studies by the U.S. government and the American Academy of Pediatrics The American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP") is an organization of pediatricians, physicians trained to deal with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Its motto is: "Dedicated to the Health of All Children. conclude that young people should drink less soda and other sugar-sweetened soft drinks to maintain better health. More than 20 states are now considering banning or limiting soda machines in schools. What do you think? Should soda be banned from school? YES "It's an issue of [demonstrating] appropriate healthy behavior," says Allan Leis, superintendent of the Naperville School District in Naperville, Illinois Naperville is a city in DuPage and Will counties in Illinois in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 128,358; The United States Census Bureau estimated the population in 2006 at 142,901. . The district recently approved a plan to remove soda and other sugary drinks from vending machines in local high schools. Such a ban already exists in the district's elementary and junior high schools. "[School officials and parents] believe that offering soda during school hours does not promote healthy diets for students." Ashley Davis, 13, of Oglethorpe Academy in Savannah, Georgia Savannah is a city located in (and the county seat of) Chatham County, Georgia (USA). The city's population was 128,500 in 2005, according to the most recent U.S. Census estimate. Savannah was the first colonial and state capital of Georgia. , agrees. "Soda should be banned from schools," she says, "because it has [a lot] of calories and lots of sugar." NO "We don't believe any ban would be effective, says Kathleen Dezio, of the American Beverage Association American Beverage Association is a trade organization that represents the beverage industry in the United States. Its members include producers and bottlers of soft drinks, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic beverages. . "Students need to be taught the components of a healthy lifestyle. That includes making the right dietary choices, eating a variety of foods in moderation, and being physically active." Daniel Willis, 14, Ashley's classmate in the eighth grade at Oglethorpe Academy, thinks that beverage consumption should be up to kids--not the adults who are concerned about them. "Students do not have many choices," he told JS. "We should at least get the chance to decide which drinks we can have." |
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