Opinion Piece--Should junk food be banned from schools? 

Level 4 (A, 80-100%)

            The sale of junk food should be banned from Ontario schools for three reasons. First of all, the obesity rate would decrease. Secondly, energy levels would rise aiding in increased attention and work ethic in class. Lastly, the banning of junk food sales would help teens establish a healthy eating routine that they could carry with them all their lives.

 

            It’s an unfortunate fact that at this moment in time, obesity rates especially in teens, are ridiculously high. It’s also a fact that teens get hungry during the school day. If schools sell chocolate bars and fries and coke, that’s what the students will likely eat. This junk food will do nothing more for the students then fill their stomachs for a short time, and release fat into their bodies. This coupled with the decreasing activity levels, will only raise obesity rates. If schools sell healthy food instead of junk, this problem of students filling up on fatty foods at school wouldn’t even be an issue.

 

            Many students have a hard time concentrating and working hard in class. The sugar highs that these students are likely to get from ingesting candy and pop purchased at the school will only add to this condition. If schools ban junk food and instead sell nutritious, healthy food, students will fill up on this instead. Eating healthier food will raise their energy levels, and aid in concentrating as well as increasing work ethics.

 

            Lastly, the repercussions of students falling into the habit of snacking on junk food during schools hours will likely follow them the rest of their lives. If schools sell healthier food instead, teens will learn to fill up on nutrition bars instead of chocolate bars; and water instead of pop. This bodes well for the teen’s future life by teaching them good eating habits, which they can then pass on to their children.

 

            Only good can come from the banning of junk food at high schools. Obesity rates will fall, concentration levels and work ethics will rise, and teens will learn good eating habits. It would be surprising to meet an educator who wouldn’t want this for his or her school.