TED Conversations

tsepang setipa

This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »

Is giving Junk food to kids child abuse?

We live in a world where children obesity is growing in large numbers, and yet very few parents seem to be doing anything about it. One can argue that children can really not be to blame as these food choices and lifestyles are made for them from early ages. So my question is whether the habit of constantly getting children used to junk food should be deemed as child abuse or not and what do you think should be done about this.

+11
Share:

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.

  • thumb

    Katarina Smetko 500+

    • 0
    TED AttendeeTED TranslatorTEDx OrganizerLanguage Coordinator
    Jul 20 2011: This is a very interesting question. I think that there are several reasons for the "overweight epidemic", and the biggest of them is probably availability. People have junk food at their fingertips, and it is very easy and convenient to make it a large portion of your diet.
    So when people acquire these habits, they will most likely transfer them on to their children, even though they probably know deep down that it is not good for them. So, in this sense, this would be definitely considered child abuse, or rather neglect, as Ms. Subhashree said.
    However, I don't think that it is all that bad to give a child some candy or a hamburger every now and then, as long as it doesn't become a habit and as long as healthy food, such as fruit and vegetables, still makes for the larger part of the diet. I would say that the key here is moderation and awareness of the possible consequences to the child's health.

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.