Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Weighing children in primary schools under the National Child Measurement Programme is likely to cause...
Recommendation
Weighing children in primary schools under the National Child Measurement Programme is likely to cause harm to children’s mental health and could hinder the development of a positive body image. This is particularly damaging for Black children who are more likely to be incorrectly placed in the overweight or obese categories. We recommend that the Government urgently reviews the National Child Measurement Programme to ensure it is not creating undue body image pressures in children. The Government should urgently assess the need for the programme and seek other ways to collect this data. (Paragraph 59) Changing the perfect picture: an inquiry into body image 43 #NoFilter: is this advert real?
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states that Public Health England already rigorously reviews the National Child Measurement Programme annually, citing existing research showing no negative impact on body image. PHE will, however, ask the NCMP Board to consider the report's concerns and continue to explore the programme's impact on children and parents.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
63. Public Health England (PHE) has a rigorous approach to reviewing the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) on an annual basis, which includes extensive review of evidence and consultation with stakeholders including families, and healthcare professionals across the fields of psychology, weight management, mental health and eating behaviours.
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