Body Mass Index Data in Students' Report Books and Measures to Assist Students with Weight and Body Image Issues

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Education in light of reports by health experts which find that physical development markers such as the Body Mass Index (BMI) can have a negative impact on a child's mental well-being (a) whether BMI data can be sent to school health services for follow-up instead of being listed in the student's report book; and (b) what is being done in schools to assist students with weight and body image issues.

Schools measure the height and weight of students twice a year to monitor their physical development, using Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-Age norms set out by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). Following the measurements, students outside the healthy range for physical growth are supported by the school to focus on healthier behaviours using strategies such as journaling, goal setting and action planning in physical activities and nutrition to bring about gradual improvement in BMI. Severely overweight and severely underweight students are referred to the HPB's Student Health Centre (SHC) for medical assessment and counselling.

Schools recognise the importance of working with parents to enhance their child's holistic development and well-being. Hence, schools may reflect many indicators, not just academic indicators, but also conduct, attendance, CCA records, physical fitness test results and BMI weight indicator in the Holistic Development Profile report to inform students, update and seek their parents' support in reinforcing the holistic development of their children at home.

Our schools adopt a holistic health promotion approach to improve the overall well-being of students, and to encourage them to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Through physical education lessons, students are taught good health habits such as healthy eating, and regular participation in sports and exercise to lead an active lifestyle.

Our Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum equips students with age-appropriate knowledge and skills to help them build positive body image and healthy self-esteem. Students learn to appreciate their strengths and understand the developmental changes that they experience as they grow. They also learn that their sense of worth does not need to depend on external affirmation, but can be anchored on their understanding of themselves and their intrinsic qualities.