Sugary Rewards Must Stop, Says Marshall Harris

United Nations child rights expert Faith Marshall-Harris has urged parents to discontinue the practice of using sugary treats and fast food as rewards for children.

Speaking at the launch of a campaign to ban the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks in schools, held at Accra Beach Hotel, she stated, “We have got to start somewhere; we have got to get very serious about this ban. We can’t just have policies and strategies—we have to go further.”

The campaign is being organized joint effort by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados and the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition.

Marshall-Harris added that rewarding children with unhealthy food has become deeply ingrained in Barbadian culture, especially concerning significant academic events like the 11-plus exam.

She called upon parents and guardians to stop this practice, saying, “In a few months, there will be swarms of children after the 11-plus exam being rewarded with huge gallons of fast food. But this is not just a one-time event anymore. Every Friday evening, there are large groups of parents and children, seemingly celebrating simply getting through the week.” (SZB)