I have to admit, I was pretty taken aback when I read that some schools across the country have been sending “fat letters” home with students who are considered overweight. While childhood obesity is a huge problem in our country, dealing with the issue by sending home letters seems completely over the top. It’s a pretty sensitive issue – both for the child and the parent(s) – and I can understand that some weren’t too thrilled about this tactic.
School Districts Send “Fat Letters” Home to Parents
According to a recent article in Glamour, “the Department of Public Health is saying that 32 percent of students in the state have a body mass index that’s in the “overweight” zone. That’s why the department has teamed with schools: to identify kids who are possibly obese and alert their parents to that fact.”
Many parents who have received letters like this have come to the defense of their children (of course!) and are feeling like the government has really overstepped its boundaries with this one. People are feeling as though their privacy has been invaded and students are feeling bullied by the letters. As a parent, I want nothing but the absolute best for my child and that includes dealing with any issues she has in a discreet and encouraging way. And this seems to cross a line.
What do you think – did the government and school districts go too far with this one or is it their place to interfere?
