Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Nanny state quandary: No Hat, No Play rule could be feeding child obesity

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/no-hat-no-play-rule-could-be-feeding-child-obesity/story-fndo2iwh-1226516195684


No Hat, No Play rule could be feeding child obesity


QUEENSLAND'S Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young is concerned some children are using the "No Hat, No Play" rule in schools to avoid exercise.

"I'm a bit worried that there are some kids who deliberately don't have hats so they don't have to go and play," Dr Young said. "It's like the kids who always forget their swimming costume because they don't want to go swimming."
Dr Young said she was concerned that strict "no hat, no play" policies in schools could have unintended consequences, allowing a small number of sedentary children to get out of having to exercise.
"Some schools have rigid: 'You've got to stay in the classroom rules, if you don't have a hat'," she said.
....................
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Louise Baldwin said the "no hat, no play" rule was critical to protect children from future risks of skin cancer.
"We need to strike a balance between sun protection and being physically active," she said. "We know that a third of cancers can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes."

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young

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