Young minds are often more vulnerable to bad habits as they were able to mimic the behavior and actions made by the adults that are in their lives. For the most part, trying to promote healthy living among the young in Singapore would require their parents to play an integral part.
Professor Chia Kee Seng, Dean of the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health commented on how the initiatives that were recommended by the inter-agency taskforce NurtureSG should not be seen in isolation. Prof Chia mentioned that the initiatives will only be effective if the habits “take deep roots and are sustained into adulthood. Parents must reinforce these habits and be role models themselves.” He also added that efforts to encourage healthy habits in school will be futile if parents were to bring their children to fast-food joints for unhealthy food.
Media Coverage:
- The New Paper, 24 February 2017