Act now to protect the health of our school kids
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is simply perturbed to read the report that the "Guidelines on Management of School Canteens" (Panduan Pengurusan Kantin Sekolah) is being violated and that unhealthy food such as sweets, pickled food (jeruk), snacks containing artificial flavouring and artificial colouring are still being sold inspite of it clearly being not permitted.
The problem of unhealthy food being sold in school canteens is not new. For some years now this problem has been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities, but CAP's efforts in calling for a healthier young generation has fallen on deaf ears. The Guidelines states that food containing excess sugar, salt and fats, instant noodles, ice confectionaries, artificially-coloured drinks, flavoured drinks, tea and coffee, and fizzy drinks are not encouraged.
The problem of unhealthy food being sold in school canteens is not new. For some years now this problem has been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities, but CAP's efforts in calling for a healthier young generation has fallen on deaf ears. The Guidelines states that food containing excess sugar, salt and fats, instant noodles, ice confectionaries, artificially-coloured drinks, flavoured drinks, tea and coffee, and fizzy drinks are not encouraged.
How caffeine affects children
Most of your parents wouldn't dream of giving you a cup of coffee, but they may readily give you soft drinks containing caffeine. Though soft drinks may be tasty and sweet, it's a good idea to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially if you are young.Heavy school bags take toll on children’s backs
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has been calling on the education authorities for some years now to address the problem of heavy school bags.
In this University Putra Malaysia study carried out by Tamrin SBM and his colleagues, it was found that as high as 58.3% of the schoolchildren studied reported having low back pain associated with carrying heavy school bags.
Stem culture of violence against children
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is disturbed to note the number of abuse cases involving children reported of late. Toddlers being sexually abused, a stepchild apparently beaten to death, young girls raped the list goes on.
Children's mental illness jumps to 20.3%
Malaysian kids need protection and help
The National Health and Morbidity Survey 1996 found that the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in children between 5 to 15 years old was at a high percentage of 13%.
The latest survey shows that the rate has shot up to 20.3%. Malaysian children are under tremendous stress and many are unable to cope with the pressures from the education system, their homes and their peers.
The latest survey shows that the rate has shot up to 20.3%. Malaysian children are under tremendous stress and many are unable to cope with the pressures from the education system, their homes and their peers.
