At Seashore academy, teachers do not reward children with sugary snacks for doing well in the classroom. We also encourage birthday celebrations with balloons, stickers, games, and other non-sugary rewards. We encourage children to exercise, play outside, and not turn to sugar as a reward.
Reducing sugar consumption in children can have several benefits, including:
- Improved dental health: Excessive sugar intake can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
- Weight management: Consuming too much sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
- Better nutrition: Eating a diet high in sugar can displace more nutritious foods, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: A diet high in sugar has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
- Improved behavior and attention: Consuming too much sugar can lead to hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating in children.
- Lowering risk of developing addiction to sugary foods
It is important to note that sugar is also a key ingredient in many processed foods, so reducing sugar intake also means eating more whole foods and reducing processed food consumption.