Sweets No Reward in Schools

Jolly Ranchers and Tootsie Pops are disappearing from teachers' desks ending a long tradition of rewarding classroom obedience with candy. Teachers are being discouraged from using candy or other junk food as an incentive. Food should not be used as reward or denial of food as punishment because students should not be taught it is a privilege to eat. Getting candy out of the classroom makes sense simply because it has no nutritional benefits. To teach our children to be healthy and well, we need to take candy out of the classroom. We need to teach kids that eating is to nourish our bodies and candy provides no nourishment. Besides this practice sends the children a mixed message as we preach in health class to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and then we give out candy as a reward.

But now lets get real. Most parents don't seem to mind the occasional M&M or Skittle dispensed by a well-meaning teacher. But the problem is that the sweets can add up. Often neither parents nor children are able to track how much has been consumed in a day.

Among those concerned with juvenile health, a consensus is emerging that food as a classroom incentive sends bad messages. It encourages children to eat when they are not hungry, and eat poorly. It can fuel a habit of overeating as a reward. It contradicts lessons about nutrition and balance taught in school.

The bottom line is that sweets play a role in children's lives but it should be a limited role. To get classroom obedience, teachers need to offer non-food or sweet incentives such as first in line to go to lunch or extra recess.