Imagine getting a letter from your child's school, informing you that they have recently calculated your kid's body mass index and according to the numbers, he or she is obese. What would your reaction be? Due to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's BMI initiative, that's exactly what's been happening to New England parents and many are none too happy about it.
The initiative, first passed in 2009, requires public schools to calculate the BMI of their students and send a letter home if that number is considered to be too high. But these letters–now being referred to as "the fat letters" –are stirring up controversy among some parents, who feel the whole thing is an "interference in parenting and an invasion of privacy." Meanwhile, kids who are the subject of these letters are reportedly becoming "upset, depressed and ashamed" for having their weight called out.
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And honestly, I don't blame them. I'm all for keeping our children healthy, but this method seems to be crossing a line. First of all, this isn't Weight Watchers. Why do these kids need to have their BMI screened at school? It's a parent's job to monitor their child's weight, not a school nurses. If schools want to get involved in keeping our kids active (which they should), there are much better ways. Why not take the time to invest in better food, fun Phys. Ed programs, or even in-house nutritionists? It would probably cost the same amount as what they spend on this program (which is reportedly around $15,000 a year).
Plus, the whole BMI index isn't exactly a perfect system. Due to the way it's measured, kids who are athletic and more muscular will probably have a higher number than others their age. Does that automatically make them obese? Obviously not … but under this policy, it will ensure that they get a letter sent home.
After receiving many complaints, State Rep.Jim Lyons has filed a petition to try and stop the "fat letters" from continuing. I just hope they find a new, more effective method to take its place!
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