Laura Sharman 03 September 2020

Half of professionals feel childhood obesity is a child protection issue

Nearly half of health and social workers believe child obesity should be considered a child protection issue, according to a new study.

A small study of 23 participants by academics at Sheffield Hallam University found 10 believed obese children should potentially be removed from parents who do not try to reduce their child’s weight.

The research found that personal beliefs and values about obesity and parenting skills were affecting threshold judgements and referral decisions.

Dr Catherine Homer, Sheffield Hallam research fellow and report co-author, said: 'The questions we should be asking are whether, by taking a child protection approach, we are passing the problem of child obesity to families and then blaming them when they fail to help their child lose weight and, in so doing, ignore the clear links between obesity and disadvantage. Or could a child protection approach act as a catalyst for families who fail to engage and take up support as well as a gateway to more intensive support.

'There's a real opportunity to address these issues now. Failure to do so will lead to potentially lasting damage to each child’s health and well-being.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner