Read what mums have to say about sweets being used as rewards in our schools:


It just shouldn't be happening.  It's a fight against fillings in our house.  I'm sure i could stop the school giving sweets to my child but i don't want her to be singled out.

         it would reinforce sweets are a good thing as opposed to bad for children

         Don't get too concerned about sweets given as end of term 'presents' but my school never gives sweets as rewards - would be pretty miffed if they did as would go against healthy eating message.

         Associating sweet foods/treats with rewards encourages bad habits and promotes "comfoòt eating" type disorders later on in life (where as soon as you're unhappy you automatically reach for chocolate or sweet or other sugary/fatty foods). It goes against any healthy practice the school should endorse, and what about allergies? Some children could potentially be at risk from nuts or other substances contained in such rewards. teachers should know better and should use other types of rewards such as merits, awards, stickers, and if they do want to give out 'prizes' they could use stationery items such as pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners etc

         Sweets are not only unhealthy, they also contribute to children becoming hyperactive (due to the artificial colours, flavours, E numbers  etc in them). This does not help children to concentrate and behave well at school. My boys become very much more hyperactive when given sweets. I also do not think that food of any sort should be used to reward children, and certainly not at school. There are much better ways of encouraging and rewarding children: stickers, atars, certificates -- and yes, children still do respond well to good old fashioned verbal praise. In the past schools used to reward children with books at prize givings - -this is uncommon now, but I feel that if children are to be given token rewards then the gift should be something related to learning e.g. a pencil or a rubber. Sweets have nothing to do with learning and are more appropriate at a children's party than at school.

         As long as parents are made aware of what happens in school there isn't a problem.

         Both good behaviour and good work should be treated as "normal" things that are expected by children at school. Sweets should not be the reason for being good as it is simply bribery. It is more important to explore other methods of encouraging children.

         one teacher at our school gives massive bars of galaxy away and my son become obsessed! one week he got a bar and a tube of jelly tots I thought that was too much. It made me wonder if the sweets were being given out to make teachers more popular than others in the school.

         I do not want food to be used as a reward - I have been overweight all my life and am being very careful about this with my children.

         If this practice were adopted at my child's school I would have VERY strong words with the head. It is a disgrace. Many reasons, sweets should not be seen as "treats" or a "reward", they are full of junk, the sugar content is not my main issue, more the preservatives and colours, there is also the teeth issue. Also children's behaviour and learning can be dramatically affected by giving them this sort of rubbish. My children DO have sweets, but it is very occasional and it is when I see fit. I am disgusted to hear that this goes on and thanks for bringing it up.

         My son's school have said children must only bring in fruit for snack and the teachers go through their pack lunches telling what is healthy and what is not but then at the end of the day all the children who worked hard are allowed a sweet out a the tin - it confirms sweets are really special rewards making children want them more

         kids probably only win star of the week once a year,,, i feel that to win sweets on average sweets from teacher twice a year is fine,,,, everything in moderation,,

         if a child has an allergy the ingredient could be in the sweet - in these "enlightened & educated" times it is irresponsible of teachers to use this as a reward and shows a lack of imagination - why not give fruit or a multitude of other refined sugar free options.

         Teachers buy these rewards from their own money so they do not tend to be regular but as a special, occasional treat. I do not see a problem with this as long as it is occasional.  Children have a long day/long terms, a small treat every once in a while is fine.

         My children have always understood that sweets are a treat and too many are not healthy so it just encourages a behaviour we use at home.

         Is n't everything in moderation? If it is an effective method but only in moderation I don't see what the problem is. My children get given sweets from their teachers at holiday times. If it was everyday I would be concerned.

         As Mum I control what my child eats at home and if he gets a few sweets at school then that doesn't matter because he has healthy food with limited sweets at home anyway.

Sweets from school as a reward from teachers are always nicer than the ones at home anyway - because he has to do something to get them!!!

         I don't think that sweets should be seen as a special desirable food for children. As parents we work hard to instil a sensible healthy eating habit with our children. We try to educate by example and ensure they have an organic and wholefood diet. Surely giving out sweets as a reward detracts from this message of healthy eating.

         There are many ways to reward pupils for their hard work without having to give them sugary snacks. A gold star or a sticker works well for younger children. For older children, points awarded for their school team is a good reward.

         Children, in my experience are just as happy when receiving a sticker or a star for good work.  They at least then have something to bring home and show off.  I would rather monitor the sweet intake of my children at home and not worry about them getting them from school.  As an alternative if they must give something edible, then why not a raisin box or other fruit?  Giving sweets as a reward sends out the wrong message.


         While I quite like the sticker/reward chart concept, we seem to have completely lost the idea that doing well or being good can be a reward in itself.

         What to do ?

I have strict rules on when my kids eat sweets at home (only weekends), so I DO want to be in control of when and how many sweets they eat.

BUT, when I was in junior high school, a sweet as a reward for getting 3 German spelling tests correct in a row worked really, really well: I got my spelling right every time !

That was 25 years ago and now we're having it drummed into our and our children's heads about what we should and should not be eating.

Mothers are made to feel guilty for what we feed our children (have you ever seen the looks of derision from other mothers in the playground (or wherever) if you should give your child a pack of crisps, etc. ?

Plus the media is full of admonishments.....

         I think that using any food as a reward is not a good idea , as it can be a couse of eating problems in later life: comfort eating and anorexia!

         i only give my children sweets/chocolate as a reward for good behaviour(sharing,politness,helping,etc) when i was at school we recieved a mars bar for every 3 star we earned so of course i did my best

         The teachers at my childs school give stickers & awards as prizes for good work etc

         Sweets are a part of childhood, to deprive a child of sweets is to deprive them of this childhood.  As long as the sweets are only given occasionally, like at my son's school, then there is no harm.

         It sets a precedent that is hard to break when at home.

         Our school ( where I work ) follows the healthy eating message, so its great :)

         This approach teaches children that sweets are a reward for acheiving, and lays down the wrong messages for life when the child is older, especially if they end up having a weight problem. This then becomes a difficult cycle to break psycologically. As a nation we have to tackle obesity at all levels. This is simply wrong.

         This is bribery not a valid incentive for hard work.

         There are far more important things to worry about than this, but given the choice, I'd rather be responsible for deciding when to give my child sweets.  I'm also uneasy about sweets being a special treat for good behaviour (hence being more desirable).

         I think that the occasional sweet does no harm so the healthy eating aspect doesn't concern me as much as the possibly harmful emotional links which are being programmed. In a society where unhealthy associations with food contribute to a high level of obesity I do not think it is sensible to offer food as a reward. In my opinion star charts, merit points and praise go much further in building a childs self-esteem and encouraging a sense of pride in their work and achievements.

         The child may feel he or she is being punished when they ask for sweets at home or in the supermarket and the parent says no. I have tried to establish that sweets and chocolate are not a reward or bribe for my child to be good. There are times when as a very special treat sweets can be given but to give them to young children for doing their homework I think is really sending the wrong message. Sweets and chocolate can only have a place in schools during Christmas, Easter and other special events, not everyday in a normal classroom. There are plenty of ways to reward young children; Smiley stickers,  "Well Done", first choice at the next activity, and don't forget the way a child feels when they have done well and how proud they will feel at succeeding at something.

         By giving sweets as a reward it is giving the impression to the child that they are valuable and speciable and therefore desirable. This goes against the healthy eating message I wish to put across to my child

         Teeth can repair themselves if given enough time between sweet snacks. I have no control on this if my child is eating sweets at school.

It is not difficult to find alternatives pens/pencils/ stickers / a story / time off from "work"- it need only be a few minutes / time on play equipment / marbles in a jar leading to a bigger reward/treat etc......

Rewarding with food can for some individuals set up eating problems for the future, when there are other good alternatives using food is unnecessesary.

If it is given at school as a parent I FEEL LESS INCLINED TO TREAT MY CHILD WITH SWEETS AT HOME which takes away from me as a parent this small but nice opportunity.

         Not only have we been nagged to death about how dental decay can occur if a child is given more than 4 sugar attacks in a day, (and the reward scheme dictates a grazing affect) but this is a bribabry scheme which leads to the changing of disaplin in the child's own home. If it happens at school the child will expect a reward a sweet or toy everytime they do something they deam as worthy. We then are programming our children to grow up using food as a reward for good behaviour. Everytime we get a promotion do we celebrate by consuming sweets? The reward is monetary and not always physical it can be a pat on the back for satifcation. Teachers should not be allowed to use methods that childminders and nurseries are not permitted to use. Its all contradicting to the law that ofsted have laided out for childcare providers! I believe schools lack greatly in the skills to deal with these new changes in childcare and preschool care tends to be more educational and in line with current practice than schools. The level of care should be uniform throughout the education stages.

         My son won't eat sweets (not even chocolate...) so the 'reward' doesn't interest him at all. I know, you will all wish you had this 'problem', but it does mean that any reward I give him ends up being yet more plastic objects to clutter up the house!

         I know bribery works, and am guilty of using it myself with my kids, so I can hardly complain about the teachers doing it!

         Children get bombarded enough with sweets and I certainly don't agree with rewarding them with sweet treats as it can, and from personal experience does, lead to eating disorders.

         I don't think the occassional sweet or choc treat is at all harmful. Let children be children once in a while !! What's wrong with healthy eating 95% of the time with a sweet treat for special occasions??

         At our school sweets are given out infrequently as rewards therefore I don't mind. They have introduced healthy snacks at break times showing they are thinking of promoting healthy eating

         I don't mind as long as it does not happen to often

         I don't think a small sweet now and again is harmfull, and it's a nice cheap reward to receive.

         Surely such an occasional treat won't do any harm - it is a very good incentive and won't have any harmful effect as part of a healthy diet. I had rather my child learned that chocolate and sweets are occasional treats - nothing more and nothing less - no need to breed angst-ridden attitudes to diet!

         I am a teacher and I think as a small reward a sweetie is a very good way of motivating a child.  I think that it is the old adage of everything in moderation.  The kids think that it is a huge thrill to get a sweetie for being in the first group etc - I dont give it frequently but even the thought of it can motivate them.

         Children respond to many different forms of reward if they are exposed to them, Stickers Award of the week/certificates, Special teddy for a good deed/good work. It is really important that children shouldn't feel that treat=something sugary.

         I wouldn't mind too much if it was once in a blue moon, but the more they go to the more they get. My kids used to only drink water no juice and only got sweets as rare treats until we started activities. Now it's sweets, cakes and juice at parent & toddlers, nursery, Sunday school, French lessons and school. As well as visits to Granny's and friends. I'm left feeling I have to be stricter than ever to compensate so I miss out on the fun of sharing a treat with them.

         I taught in state schools for 10 yrs before having my children and never gave out sweets or chocolates.  I would take fruit to the Christmas party and gave out rewards through the year which were within the school rewards policy or which didn't have a price eg extra playtime or other such privileges.  For Christmas/end-of-year presents I would give rubbers, sharpeners, pencils etc.  DD1 will start school in September and I don't want her to have unhealthy rewards.  Both DDs do get chocolate etc as occasional rewards or just as a special treat at home but I know exactly how much they have in a day/week so it isn't 'too' much.

         I have strong views on this. I have a daughter in reception and a daughter in nursery. The school reward with sweets, the nursery rewards with fruit. All sweets are banned including birthday cake. None of my daughters eat fruit at the moment. Food has always been a battle. If I can get them to eat by having sweets as a bribe then great.

         I do not give my child sweets and he only likes chocolate buttons or milk chocolate.  I don't want the good I have done at home to be undone at school.  If the child does not like the sweets or chocolates being given as rewards then it could have a negative effect.  My son gets stickers or a certificate for very good work.  They can also earn rewards in the form of extra play/free time and this is taken away if they misbehave.  This means far more to them than sweets which are forgotten once eaten.


         Obviously, it just encourages kids to think sweets are okay. But I also hate the focus on individual rewards in schools - it just encourages competitiveness and lowers the self-esteem of those who don't get rewarded frequently.

         I give my child sweets and chocolate anyway.  I don't see it as a problem because my children have a balanced diet.

         Think it is OK if children at school are given sweets/chocolates at certain times of the year as a small treat such as Easter or if it is someone's birthday. Don't think it should be used as a reward for good work/behaviour, other methods of reward are better.

         If it is occasional I think it's fine.  Aren't we supposed to teach our children moderation not necessarily abstinence?

         A little treat goes a long way every now and again.  As long as it isn't every day/week.  I really don't have a problem with this.

         my daughter has nut and egg allergys so even the kids bringing in sweets or cake isnt a good idea .

         I would prefer my children to eat other things than sweets and chocolate but with my children this does appear to be a treat for them which they enjoy but don't get very often so it is effective.

         I feel that there are much better ways to reward children other than using sweets or chocolate. Having been brought up in an era where sweets were used as rewards and given the amount of fillings I had to have as a child, I do not wish to put my children through that.

         I don't suppose I mind the odd sweet here and there, but it shouldn't be a matter of course. I'd rather that something else, like stickers for example, were handed out than sweets.

         This makes sweets a coveted thing, and more of an illicit temptation! Frustrates me when mums send in sweets and chocs to give out on chilren's birthday's too - especially at Playgroup and Kindergarten when they come home at lunchtime with a bag of sweets in their hands begging to open it. Not good enough that the teachers say 'don't open until Mummy says' as that leads to a playground full of whinges and one always gives in  intensifying the whinging from the others!

         sugar is not good and the children should be shown that other things can be a reward too otherwise they expect sweets at home too.

         I think its a bad habit for children to get into. Using food as a reward or comfort.

         Our school uses a "merit" system where 5 merits earn a trip to the Head teacher for a Head teacher's award.  It is just a sticker, but there is huge competition for these awards throughout the school.  Far better than teaching them that good work gets you sweets!!!

         When we as parents are expected to make sure our children eat properly and look after their health, I don't think that teachers should undermine our work

         The problem with this kind of treat is that it ends up being an every day thing - my daughter's friends bring sweets into school for their birthdays, she goes to a birthday party nearly every weekend, if we go to her grandparents' there are more treats, treats because it's the weekend, because she's been good....She comes to expect chocolate (I throw Haribo style stuff straight in the bin) every day, which isn't appropriate for her. I'd be happy to give her something once or twice a week, but I never get to do that because everyone else has been there first!! Children love stickers and they don't rot your teeth, damage your immune  system and lead to poor eating habits!

         It is also teaching our kids all the wrong associations: i.e. food rewarding good behaviour.  That is how eating disorders etc start.

         Schools encourage parents not to put unhealthy snaks in lunch boxes then as the children leave school at the end of the day they are given sweets. This is just before a meal, I personally use treats to reward my children when they have eaten all of their meal (usually this means they are full & don't want the treat!)

         Children should be taught that everything is in moderation and that a sweet is not going to give them tooth decay - the whole bag is a different matter and not brushing their teeth will also be detrimental.

         I do feel strongly against the idea of schools giving sweets for treats.  School isn't the place for this.  School can offer so much more, they have more resources to offer different things then parents can always offer.  Other ways of treating are, for young children especially the sticker system.  Older children, let them do an activity they choose to do at the end of the week.  That way I think the children learn to be more motivated for something more 'special' then an easy way of giving children sweets.  My final point is with all the news in papers and on TV, how obese do we want our children to get before we actually start taking real action.  I have no objection for children having sweets as a treat maybe once a week from the parents.  But schools should NEVER enter into this.  They are a place for learning all about the world and part of that is eating healthy and if they go down this route I definitely think it gives the wrong message

         sets up a link between being good, reward and unhealthy foods that coudl cause problems in later life

         Food should not be used as a reward - that is giving children entirely the wrong signals about what food is for- it is not a gold star and should not be used like one. By the way - i don't believe in gold stars either. Positive praise should be all a child needs to encourage them in good behaviour, especially if a teacher makes a point of repeating that praise of the child to their parent or carer on collection - hopefully in front of the child, so that parents/carers can share in their childs success and work in parnership with schools to promote positive outcomes for children.

         Children enjoy sweeets, I don't see why we should deny them a little treat. I think many people are getting absolutely paranoid about this whole thing. If you give your kids healthy food at home then a sweetie from a teacher is hardly going to harm them. I think we should stop being so controlling, it's not healthy :)

         I don't allow the eating of sweets that often at home and when I do it's with/after a meal.  When they are given at school they want to eat them straight away and it's difficult to not allow it when mostl of their friends are allowed.

         My daughter is given them at the end of the day so, if she eats them, she can clean her teeth when she gets home.  I am more worried about the sweets and biscuits she gets from other children at lunchtime that I don't hear about.

         Forms bad habits in later life - sweets as treats / rewards etc

         It gives the wrong message about what is a "treat", and helps to train children's palates in the wrong way.

         I can kind of understand this a little bit in Primary Schools but my son attends a Secondary School and this is normal pratice. Thankfully he alerted me and I made my point of view to the school.

         My child is vegetarian and most sweets given to children are not so, it wouldn't be a good reward or incentive if it was immediately taken away.

         I don't want my children eating sweets in the middle of the day, I only let them have them at meal times.

         all of the above. also we are vegetarian and a lot of sweets contain gelatine which we wouldn't normally give our child

         sweets, as all foods, need to be seen as part of a normal diet and not as rewards.

         Not an issue at our school therefore not concerned, but would consider it bad practise.

         Most sweets have either animal gelatine or are not nut free, there will always be some children left out.

         our teachers give them rarely as it's for all the class handing in their homework, or several weeks of getting all the tests right not a daily thing

         its not the teachers responsibility

         Given the known behavioural problems related to e-numbers, I think it is innapopriate for teachers to give children, who they expect to concentrate and learn, something containing high levels of sugar. Why are they not rewarding children with books or educational toys for exapmple that would encourage good behaviour and also supplement the childs education. I think rewarding children with sweets, reinforces the notion that its ok to over-indulge in sweet things when you are good or happy-as this could lead to weight/heath problems later in life!

         i've never rewarded with sweets as this becomes expected everytime and then sweets no longer become a treat. i reward good behaviour with a trip to the park or similar and its just as effective but healthy.

         i know it can be the wrong food associations but schoolis very important too o if it works... it is such a small pat of their diet anyway

         My daughter has food intolerances and does not react well to artificial colourings, so giving sweets as a reward really wouldn't work for her. We have sweets at home, so I'm not anti-sweets, I just don't think they are a good reward for hard work.

         No sweets should be given at any school as sugar encourages the young taste buds to develop a liking for sweeter things.

         Sets the precedent for rewards at home. What a lousy idea!

         I don't feel hugely strongly about this, and do sometimes use sweets as a reward for mny son, I have to admit -- but I don't want anyone else to be giving him sweets - I want to know how much sugar he's getting.  Once in a while is OK but that's for me to decide.

         My sons school uses extra golden time as a reward for good work.  They also get extra play time on a friday if they bring fruit for snack all week.  I think this is good.  Children don't need sweets.  It should be a treat parents have control over.

         A little treat goes a long way. Why do we have to be so strict. I give my children a healthy diet but sweets are part of childhood! I've relaxed my ways now that I have 2 kids.

         is unfair to pupils who may have medical reasons for not being allowed sweets ie.diabetes

         I don't mind special occasions - like birthdays, Christmas, Easter etc but I think using sweets as a reward for good work sends the wrong message. Also I try to limit the amount of sweets, crisps etc my child eats - we see them as treats not as an everyday thing, so if teachers were to give them out in class I'd like to know.

         I have children with corn sensitivity, so they come out foul tempered.  also the school tells you not to put sweets into their lunch boxes yet dolls them out unsensored and without permission.  it may only be one a month but how do i know...

         Schools promote a very strong healthy eating message.  At my sons school they are only allowed to have sweets on someones birthday. At all other times fruit is the only snack they are allowed.  Also the schools lunch menu promotes healthy eating - they shouldn't undermine this with offering sweets.

         Some teachers used to give out sweets now and again but a couple of parents complained so it was stopped.  However, the promise of some sweets had been a powerful force in making pupils in my daughter's class want to learn their tables.  A target was set with a reward of Minstrels in mind - it worked!  Would not approve of them being given as a matter of course though.

         The school my children (7 & 4yrs) go to rewards with stickers, certificates and Head Teacher Awards where they go to see HT and get a Gold Sticker and mentioned in Assembly that week for extra special work.  These are things children remember for much longer and are more proud of than getting just another bag of sweets.

         I think that when we are trying to feed our children healty foods and they are tying to rewamp the school dinners than giving them sweets as treats, totally contradicts everything. I personally dont let me little girl eat sweets, always read the labels and she knows what she's allowed to eat and what she's not. So if she had sweets at school I'd be very dissapointed.

         by rewarding with sweets it makes them a 'good food'

         I feel if this is an occasionly thing then yes its fine, I'm sure there is not many schools that are giving sweets out every time a child does something great!  A sweet is a treat an extra way to show the child they have done something great!!

         My child has a very good diet. The school does promote healthly eating but the odd sweet doesnt hurt.

         Children respond well to sticker charts and having their name on show in the classroom. Making them a "star" in their own classroom improves their self confidence and morale. Giving sweets is lazy and not helpful.

         As long as this isnt excessive or singling out any children then I dont see the problem with it.

         My sons school has received the health promoting schools award and teachers giving out sweets completely contradicts this.

         I don't ban sweets at home but nor do I use them as a reward this encourages comfort eating, sweets need to be a small part of a general healthy diet and I am not sure that schools are teaching this always

         I know my child would bring this home and instead of stickers or praise he would then want sweets. Im not against sweets in moderation but it would drive me mad if all I heard...we do that at school,mummy!

         My children are only allowed sweets at the weekend and on special ocassions (ie parties, Xmas etc) - if they were given sweets when being good at school it contradicts everything I have taught them for the last 5 years.

         The school is even letting children hand out sweets after they do their "show & tell". What have sweets to do with a talk about the Romans???

Birthdays are also a great opportunity to get the sweets out again and if you add it all up it is sweets every week. Not exactly a good message to the kids!

         I don't believe in using any food as a reward - I believe this contributes to overeating in young people with low self-esteem, as they use food to compensate for lack of praise/attention. Other treats are much better; we used to get coloured stars on a stuicker board that added up each week, term and year, and which resulted in the highest scores being rewarded the most, with things like tickets for the sealife centre for a family of 4, things like that.

         Using sweets as a reward teaches them to use them as a reward all thought life - ie I've had a good day at work today so I'll have a take away for dinner...

         If teachers are rewarding good behaviour with sweets, then this undermines my sticker rewards!  I believe my children would rebel and not respond well to their rewards at home.  Plus I do limit the amount of sweets that are eaten within my home because my husband is a Diabetic.  I also believe that it will promote a feel good factor,thus when the child is feeling low self esteem it may promote a need for sweet/junk food treats to uplift their spirit...and in the long term promote eating disorders.  This may sound over the top, but I was rewarded with sweets as a child and now as an adult I reach for comfort food when down.  Who knows it may be a link!

         the odd occasion that sweets are given out at school is so rare, I don't feel that it contradicts the healthy eating message.  Healthy eating can include sweets - just not all the time!

         My son is allowed sweets once a week mainly due to advice from the dentist as he has very soft teeth and then I only give him chocolate as apparently the chewy/candy type sweets are very bad for teeth.

         Children inevitably get enough treats outside school - at the weekend and at parties. I think children should want to do well at school to feel that they have achieved something not just because they want to get some sweets. At my children's primary school the headmistress gives out stickers at assembly once per week to recognise hard work/achievement - this is usually two children from each class. I think that this is a much better method - the children feel a sense of achievement and moreover they feel special as they are being given the sticker in front of the whole school.

         It's only an occasional treat, and a bit of fun

         I believe that this is a form of bribing children to do well. Why would we want to encourage children to eat as a reward for their efforts? It is totally unacceptable and teachers should be finding other ways of encouraging children to do their best.

         I don't like the types of sweets commonly used as rewards or for celebrating birthdays at school - full of colourings/flavourings & sugar.  I know our school won't allow chocolate, due to nut allergy risk.  On the other hand, it does motivate the children, and isn't an excessive amount eg one lolly once a week, so I sort of have mixed feelings.

         Setting up children to use food as a reward will lead to obesity. I have battled with my weight for all of my adult life and this is because I use food to cheer myself up if I'm feeling a bit tired/down/fed up and also as a reward or celebration. Although I know what I'm doing, it's very hard to break the habit of a lifetime!

         I find it odd that our school does this occasionaly as they do not allow chocolate at any other time

         Food should not be used as a reward, period.

         Sweets are a treat - therefore kids like treats!!

Other forms of 'rewards'.    I don't allow my kids to have sweets with gelatine or E No's - and they undersand why. They even refuse sweets when offered or if they know that they are in their party bags (kids know that I will exchange sweets for choc's so they don't feel left out).  I do however allow them chocolate occassionally. They prefer strawberries and blueberries and eat those like sweets

         I think treats, especially at school should consist of things like, rubbers, pencils, stickers, etc - not sweets

         It is only a reward.  The school give them fruit at break time, I give them fruit and veg all the time and I rarely give them sweets, a little treat now and then is not a problem so long as they have a healthy diet.  I would be angry if they were being given fizzy drinks like coke/pepsi.

         I have a very strong opinion on this based on personal circumstances. My children have severe food allergies (in their case, milk and egg). Rewards/recognition should be 'inclusive' and food-related rewards clearly aren't for children with allergies/intolerances, diabetes, ADHD, various other medical conditions or who follow restricted diets for any other non-medical reason. Also, the well-documented increase in childhood obesity makes sweet rewards a ridiculous proposition. Finally, food rewards for behaviour or ability or effort is just plain silly.

         i work in a community dental clinic and see many children with decay who sometimes need a general anaesthetic to have these teeth removed, even if these are baby teeth there are long term dental developmental complications with this.

         Sweets aren't given out as rewards. But a student teacher did give out very small packets of Haribo sweets on her last day with the (Reception) Children.  And other children bring in similar things when it's their birthday.

         it's a very occassional treat. It's a positive reward for good behaviour.

         sweets should be kept to a minimum and only given at meal times otherwise tooth decay will set in.

         The message that food is a reward is a dangerous one for certain people.  While it may not be a problem for many children, it can set up a pattern of eating behaviour in some that will last throughout their lifetime.  As adults, if they have a good day, they may reward themselves with food and if they have a bad day, they will console themselves with food. This could lead to an eating disorder.

         I'm not totally sure, maybe it's OK for special things but not as a regular thing

         There are several other ways to reward good behaviour.  AT my child's school the 'Pupil of the week' recieves a certificate which is presented at assembly in front of the entire school.  A much better way to boost confidence and encourage good behaviour than dishing out sweets.

         Not concerned at all. Everything in moderation.

         Children should do well at school because they tried their best - Not because they might get a treat!!

         children with food allergies can't always have sweets and chocolate and this practice may upset them.

         Childen are being taught at home to do as parents ask and we do not encourage any sweets for snacks.  Schools have a lot of influence over our children so should therfore mirror some common home rules like this one.

         sweets affect their immune system and blood sugar levels, plus what about allergies intolerences that the teacher may forget about...

         I don't encourage my children to eat sweets or chocolate, they only get them as a very special treat or a reward for something very clever / good.  It is something I want to be in control of until they're too old to be told what to eat.  There are far too many obese children or children with rotten teeth.  They should be encouraged to eat healthy alternatives.

All that said it doesn't stop me eating chocolate!  Sorry.

         You can get sugar free sweets and with teachers now not having as much respect for teachers as they used to sometimes a way is  needed.At our school they use cards of different colours and house points which works really well

         There is too much sugar in childrens diets anyway,  schools could give out stickers or a piece of fruit if they have to reward good behaviour

         Sweets are not good for my children's health and when my child is in the care of a teacher they should not be given something to eat that I would not want to give them myself. Also, if the sweets are given out as the child leaves school then it causes friction with siblings who also then want sweets. Schools teach about good health but then contradict themselves by using them as rewards and giving the message that they are good.

         I think associating sweets with good rewards and when kids are hurt or sad sets a bad preccedent for later life and creates eating associations that are hard to break.  Kids should learn that there are other things that can be good/rewarding/positive that are not food related. It also make sweets seem to be something good which they aren't.

         Teachers should not be rewarding with sweets. Sweets are made up largely of sugar (plus a range of undesirable colourings and flavourings) and sugar is not good for adults or children - it is bad for their teeth, it can cause huge mood swings and it can also make them fat. Schools should be setting an example of healthy eating. What's wrong  with stars, certificates or just praise for achievement ?

         Im not overly concered about this but would prefer if stickers or pencils etc... were given instead to help encourage good health

         Child obesity is such a problem in todays society that the idea of rewarding children with sweets is outrageous.

         Our school demands we only send in healthy snacks - fruit or cheese - but then they come home stuffed with sweets and cakes from treats or parties in class.  It's hypocritical.

         Sweets should be treats and it should be up to parents to decide when children get these.  It's bad enough that parents send in chocolate for the other children when it's their child's birthday without the school contributing too!

         I'd prefer to see certificates or stickers, something that can be celebrated at home too

         It can undermine the messages from home and your child will learn that good behaviour means sweets. This can be difficult as at home rewards are praise and something nice to do e.g painting, play with dough.

         What mixed messages are being sent out by schools - encouraging healthy breaks one day and handing out sweets as a treat/prize the next!!

         A lot of sweets still have nasty additives in them and I do not want my children eating junk.

         I'm not concerned about this because this only happens occasionally e.g. once a term.

         it is sending out the wrong message regarding healthy eating. My daughters teacher uses 'star of the day or week' and they get a sticker, certificate (for star of week) plus get to colour in a picture in a speacial colouring book (she is in year 1)

         It ust seems to me to be a very lazy way of motivating kids - buying favour rather than earning respect.

         I don't give sweets as rewards - why should the school?  It is lazy.  The teachers should find better ways of motivating the children.

         My children get stickers for good behaviour. And at the end of term if the sticker sheet is full they get some little stationary items-ie pens ,rubbers. They also have praise assembly on fridays, certificates of achiements are handed out and any out of school actives achievements are annouced. This is more productive than handing out sweets after all most schools are in the healthy eating schemes.

         One of my daughters is prone to hyperactive behaviour which can be worsened by certain colourings and sweeteners. The last thing I want is for her to come home full of sweeties !

         she gives it on Friday and that was our own family sweetie day!

         There is a proliferation of sweets and biscuits throughout most young children's lives: playgroups, friends' parents who are not as concerned with what kids eat, parties, packed lunches with crisps and chocolates, now schools themselves. It makes it very difficult to raise a healthy child when peer pressure starts so early!

         I wouldn't mind so much if they were to give a small bar of chocolate every now and again but not every week.  I definately don't like children having sweets, especially lollipops (like a teacher at my Daughter's school recently did!) it's a health and safety risk for another thing.

         At my daughter's school the children get a lollypop (sugar free) or similar small sweet treat if they achieve the weekly class award or a gold card for 10 behaviour merits.  At first I was quite surprised, but I think it's a perfectly acceptable way of giving children a little reward in a "currency" they understand.

         rewarding with sweet is giving out mixed messages to children, they should be proud that they have good work or behaviour. Rewards are very good but not sweets!  House points, ect

         I'm trying to develop healthy eating attitudes and practices in my children, and this gives the message 'sweets = reward/treat' .. rather than maintaining the balance I'm striving for.  I don't have a difficulty with my children having sweets occasionally, as part of a healthy balanced diet, but I think it's important that they are not rewarded in this way ... plenty of other ways to reward children - praise!  I don't use food as a reward for good behaviour, why should school?

         The school is suggesting that sweets are a treat and a reward - I've spent the first four years of her life trying to steer her away from them so that she doesn't develop the taste for them and the accompanying problems later in life!

         The school my eldest son attends only have the teachers giving out sweets for a special occassion ie.. christmas.  However children are allowed to take in sweets for birthdays but they are not allowed to eat these until they go home and show their parents.  I feel this works as children get to treat their friends within parental permission and teachers do it occassionally which makes it such a special treat but again the children do not open the sweets until they are leaving school at the end of the day when their parent/carer is supervising them.

         I just think that there are more effective ways to reward children,which should be put into practise.

         My child has had eating problems in the past and therefore have ben quite strict about snacks between meals.

Other things such as stickers are preferred.

         I can't see how the odd sweet (as a reward) would instantly cause tooth decay!  I also don't think children would look at the big picture of the eating healthy message.  When I was at school our teacher would occasionally give out the odd sweet for whatever reason and it was a real boost for morale (and it was great making your friends jealous!)

         My daughters school does not really teach a healthy eating message at all. which makes me very sad. At school sports day there is a tck shop with no limit on childrens spending. There are no healthy snacks avaliable just alot of junk!

My daughter does not eat many sweets, and generally is rewarded with sweets that go in the bin. She has an allergy to nuts and so has to consider what she eats anyway. One teacher has recently started to offer her stickers instead and she happily sticks them up in her bedroom and weeks later is reminded of what she did well.

I am not opposed to sweets but would like schoolto set a good example. Interestingly children can only take fruit or veg snacks for braektime but the teachers have biscuits and cake - and tell the childern.




         im more interested in my child learning and behaving, and if it takes a small sweet or chocolate to eat after they have had recent food, i cant see no harm in it, i suppose it could be contraindicating but as long as the school are also teaching and given our children healthy meals and given them the right education, i would be more than happy.

         I'd rather that they reward with praise and the sticker system they have right now. the teachers give sweets just before school holidays but only occasionally and not all do it so the kids know not to expect it.

         It is an occasional thing

         it could lead to eating disorders if 'eating something sweet is a reward

         My kids don't have many sweets, so having a treat at school is fine by me.

         All the books say not to 'reward' children with desserts if they eat their main course.  Isn't this just as bad?

         My daughters school use a variety of reward methods. Generally i think they should maybe ask at the begining of term if any parents object, but i personally think the children relish any type of treat and occasional sweet treats do no harm at all

         Children would then get used to being given sweets as a reward and I don't want to use that method at home.

         My children are not allowed any form of sweets of fizzy pop, but can earn chocolate footballs & even cadbury chocolate bars as rewards

         I think that this bypasses the "joy of learning" and takes you straight to "whats in it for me?", and I think that is a mistake

         Well if it gets good behaviour from my 6 year old son anything is worth a try !!! Blackmail is an effective way to achieve good beahviour and an occasional sweet as reward for good behaviour is worthwhile, my sons teacher only gives a small packet of jellies or a couple of sweets

         One of my children has a milk allergy so I am always worried someone will forget and feed him chocolate.

         I would be concerned as I see this is a form of  blackmail. The teacher should use their knowledge

         I am aginst all type of rewards. Children should be encouraged good behaviour because this is the right thing to do, not because they get a reward

         I would agree it would motivate children to try harder in class, but would not want to see it used regularly - if the class had certain high performing children their parents would soon be complaining that their kids teeth were suffering or that they were getting fat.

         In our school we have a very good system of rewards, the children get the usual stickers for good work etc but they also get star of the week and they have the "oscars" where the children are singled out for good deeds, good behavior, or good work and many other things, they also have the "kindness tree" which is also in operation so i dont feel there is any place for sweets as reward.

         I'm a dentist and people think that tooth decay has all but disappeared in children but it isn't that uncommon.  Also giving children sweets containing sugar with or without colourings has been shown to have an adverse effect on children's concentration levels and behaviour. Neither of which are great in school!

         It encourages bad eating habits!!!

         I don't think its appropriate to use sweets as a reward.  Praise should be sufficient.  Also it further isolates children who don't do well adn then don't get the sweets either.

         I would be upset if this is happening as our school have told us not to send crisps, chocolate etc. for snack time or in their pack-ups

         Its only once a week and done in one particular class, presumably its that teachers method.  Its only one sweet but it seems to have an amazing effect on their motivation.  Most of the time the school uses stickers which work but not as well and they loose their impact after the first few years.  I use sweets as an occasional reward myself and don't think this is a problem as long as parents make a conscious effort to feed their children healthily the majority of the time.

         I don't believe food should be used as a reward. I also do not like the concept that everytime my child does something good or behaves well they are rewarded. It gets to the point where children start to expect rewards whenever they go some good work or behave well and you end up having to bribe them to get anything done.

         I try not to reward good behaviour with sweets, would rather use a treat such as a meal out or a trip somewhere.

         It would be nice for children to receive another kind of reward and then build up special treat.

         Teachers should be able to achieve good results from children without