Doncaster parents fear school weigh ins could lead to eating disorders later in life - This is what Doncaster parents think about children being weighed in school

We asked our readers what they thought about primary school children being weighed in school.

Some of our readers agreed with the decision.

Stephanie Wilkin, said: “No problem with it at all.

"The school nurses do it.

"Doncaster has a obesity problem so any interventions to help parents and children is helpful.”

Sarah Jayne Walters, said: “I think this good idea as my child has heart condition that causes him lose weight so I would be happy for school to weigh him.”

Ruth Watkins, said: “I think they should, but back it up with education and support about healthy eating and exercise, not just send a slip home saying your child is overweight and leave it at that.”

Kate Watkins, said: “Yes it’s national surveillance, we need to keep track of what’s going on.

“Now whether the individual results need sharing is a different story.”

Stew Graves, said: “It was a regular thing at school back in the 80's.

"Getting weighed every few months by the school nurse.

"Don't see an issue with it.

"Trouble with society today is, no one likes been told what to even if its for the best.”

Jojo Louise, said: “More than 60% of the adult population are now overweight. Its a problem that is getting worse.

"So yes we definitely need to monitor the health of the next generation and start making some massive changes.”

Many of our readers don’t think that it a good idea.

Sheree Watson, said: “Don't agree.

"It’s awful being a teenage girl and standing on a set of scales especially in front of people.

“I'm sure there's many lad who feel the same.

"It’s something a doctor should be doing not a school nurse.”

Gemma King, said: “I think its wrong and could cause issues for some children.

"When my eldest was weighed I had a letter to say he was overweight when he clearly wasn't.”

Carrie Dudley, said : “I’m against it, children have enough anxiety, stress and excuses for bullies without standardising fat shaming, skinny bashing.

"Healthy eating and diet is parents responsibility to teach and schools to emphasise. M

"Medical related weight issues are for a doctor not a school.

“I’d be all for yearly health reviews at home or docs for children.

"Like health visitor does when they’re babies.

"Necessary guidance and advice given in a private setting.”

Tony Lee Richardson, said: “All for education, teach them about healthy eating and living from an early age.

"Just no need to weigh them.”

Melita Higgins, said: “No, definitely not.

"Children have enough complex problems without being told their fat.

"We don’t all fit into the governments little boxes.”

Lisa Hughes, said: “My daughter was weighed in school and they told her she was overweight when she clearly wasn’t.

"It’s not healthy to make children focus on their weight unless they really need to.”

Jemma Louise Owen, said: “Numbers on a scale don't define you stop giving young children worries about their weight and body issues they are growing and I think their mental health is far more important than a weighing scale or a measuring tape.

"So many eating disorders and body issues around don't add more young minds to the list.”

Pamela Hobbs, said: “No - kids will be asking each other how much do you weigh and using it as excuse to bully other kids!”

Susan Jones, said: “They said my grandson was overweight in junior school never told him just ignored it but I disagree with it.”

Some of our readers have thoughts on how to improve the weighing plan.

Rachel Steele, said: “Maybe they should lead by example and weigh all MPs, all GPs, NHS staff, all council employees (I could go on).

“Suddenly having your weight taken in front of your peers doesn't seem so nice!”

Cornelia Jane Hoades, said: “I would much rather see a reintroduction of physical education, but combined with nutrition, not just running round a field or playing football.

"It is medically proven to increase their learning abilities and will put them in a much better place psychologically.”

Melanie Watson, said: “I think it depends. If a child has obvious weight issues either over or underweight and it needs to kept an eye on then it needs to happen.

"Sometimes parents are oblivious and need it pointing out.”

Sarah Priestley shared a personal experience that her family went through.

She said: “My daughter was weighed the primary school decided she was over weight they made the over weight kids run around the field all lunch time.

"She and her friends reffered to it as fat class.

"She swam three times a week at the time we walked for miles and were constantly on the go.

"We have always eaten a very healthy varied diet. Lots of fruit and veg. She was by no means fat but she has always been broad she was never a scrawny little thing.

"I was disgusted with primary the way they treated her its a wonder she didn't end up with an eating disorder.”

Marie Walker said that the weigh ins have lead to food monitoring.

She said: “Don’t mind the school weighing but don’t appreciate the after team constantly ringing seeing if you want help with your child’s diet my children eat a varied diet and they are by no means ‘FAT’ a word I detest.

"It’s another way to get kids to have a problem with food.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.