How much information should schools collect on students?

[Bateluer]

http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-state-senator-wants-indiana-st-01242011,0,7153856.story

What I find crazy, the article reports on the collection of children's BMI/weight in the headline, and not the ethnicities, ages, sex, etc. If it was just BMI, I'd probably be OK with this, but I don't think its the school's business to collect all this information. Granted, I believe all that information is already collected by multiple government agencies, and most likely upload the same crap to their FB pages. Doesn't mean the government has a right/need to that information.

It could also be that I'm old now, but I recall getting weighed in elementary school gym classes. You know, when gym classes required us to actually work out, jogging, team sports, obstacle/circuits, etc. Don't think anything was recorded on an permanent records though.

Indianapolis —

If one state lawmaker has her way, schools will be required to weigh every student.

State Senator Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield) has proposed legislation that would require school corporations to collect information on students' heights, ethnicities, ages, sex and even their weight.

Once students step on the scale their weights would be entered into a statewide data system that would help officials determine which part of the state has the most problems with obesity.

But some parents say revealing their kids BMI is TMI.

"As a parent I can understand the concerns and why they would think about doing this but I think there are other ways to teach good nutrition and good health goals to children without putting them on the spot and weighing them," Elise Edwards said.

"Especially if you have to do it in front of other children. I mean if they're doing it privately that may be one thing. Maybe if they are going to do that then help them with a meal plan or an eating plan that they do it maybe privately but not like in a line with everyone else seeing what they're doing and how much they weigh. I don't know if its a good idea," Lisa Weilhammer said.

As for the students themselves, their reactions are mixed.

"I think it would be a good health idea to weigh kids but maybe some kids would feel embarrassed to get weighed," seventh grader Aiden Casper said.

"I would be alright with it. I'm not really embarrassed about a lot of stuff so I think it's a really good idea," second grader Anneliese Weilhammer said.

Gard said she hopes the information will encourage a healthier lifestyle for our youth.

 

[bfdd]

I have a question, why are people still using the antiquated BMI system? It's seriously flawed to ridiculous levels.

 

[Bateluer]

I have a question, why are people still using the antiquated BMI system? It's seriously flawed to ridiculous levels.

Agreed, I think its still used because its simple, relatively easy to understand, and cheap to do. Plus, I don't think elementary school kids are going to be affected by BMI's flaws. These aren't body builders or pro-football players we're talking about.