The queues are the problem, not the food!

Read SPTC reaction to research that concluded: "Unless the problems associated with queuing for school meals are addressed and better understood, it is likely that young people will not consider "healthier" options even if they do become available."

The study from researchers at Edinburgh University found that teenagers are rejecting healthy school meals because they don't like queuing, find canteens ugly and prefer to spend lunchtimes gossiping with their friends rather than eating.

The research was based on interviews with 13 and 14 year olds from schools in Fife and East Lothian. Many of those pupils were frustrated by the rules in school dining halls, such as different sittings, which meant they were unable to sit with their friends.

Eleanor Coner, SPTC's Information Officer commented that although schools are trying hard many did not have the facilities to meet the expectations of modern teenagers. She said: "Children aren't as malleable as when I was at school. For example, they are not happy to stand in queues for hours on end which is what I would do at school. .... Environment is also very important. If it is not an attractive option, then why should you sit there and have your meal? Adults wouldn't do it."

She went on to say that improving facilities in schools would be more effective than trying to ban children from going to local shops during meal times. "You can't hide the fact that there is a Macdonalds round the corner or a chip shop across the road. ... Children have to learn to make choices. Just banning something is not teaching them to make choices."

For more information on this story go to: www.sundayherald.com

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