73% of primary school pupils enjoy the advantages of eating a good breakfast everyday.
The importance of young children eating healthy food is obvious, but it seems that more needs to be done to promote the specific advantages of healthy eating as the benefits can include improvements in the stamina, focus and memory of a child.
Wales has clearly identified the need for young children to have a good breakfast in order to enhance their learning throughout the school day and in 2007 the ‘Primary School Free Breakfast’ initiative was introduced by the Welsh government throughout the country.
Five years later, 73% of primary school pupils enjoy the advantages of eating a good breakfast everyday for free.
So, how does eating a healthy breakfast develop a child physically and mentally?
Social benefits
Schools in Wales have seen attendance and punctuality improve as a result of the free breakfast initiative.
As a result of a healthy breakfast, whether it is provided for free at school or not, the social skills employed by children are enhanced and their overall behaviour benefits significantly.
The span of attention adopted by children who have had a good breakfast is noticeably improved as well, which ultimately enhances their ability to retain information significantly.
A varied diet can have numerous benefits
Ensuring that children have a variety of different meals makes children aware of the importance of a healthy diet from a young age.
By showing young children the different types of food which are out there, more children will be encouraged to make healthier choices when it comes to eating later on in life, which can help to prevent obesity.
Increased energy levels
Most types of food consumed for breakfast are packed full of minerals and vitamins, which not only provide a well-balanced meal but allow children to have greater energy levels throughout the day as well.
Healthy foods equal a healthy attitude
Complex carbohydrates, such as cereals, pastas and whole-grain bread allow more serotonin to be released, which can encourage children to feel calmer and more relaxed. In terms of developing ideas regarding how to help children concentrate in school hours, a healthy diet should always be placed at the top of the list.