Singapore should be worried that diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children owing to the increased incidence of obesity (Protect your child against diabetes; July 31).

Cultivating a healthier lifestyle in children, however, is not only the job of parents but also schools. What children eat in school can influence their eating habits in future.

Pupils usually have at least one meal a day from the canteen. Apart from their recess, those who arrive at school early may have breakfast there, and those who have co-curricular activities may eat lunch at school too.

It is thus important that schools give healthier food and beverage options in their canteens.

In 2011, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) established the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme to encourage this and help students cultivate good eating habits from their youth.

The programme criteria include cutting down fat, sugar and salt, serving whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and serving healthy set meals that incorporate food from the four main food groups: Brown rice; wholemeal bread; meat and others; vegetable and fruit.

An increase in the percentage of children making healthy food choices can help to decrease the incidence of obesity and illnesses caused by it, like Type 2 diabetes, in children.

Through courses and talks done by external vendors, schools can also educate pupils about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, i.e. maintaining a balanced diet and keeping fit.

Helping them to understand the dangers of an unhealthy lifestyle is essential to inculcating in them a will to change their eating habits and stay healthy.

They may also become agents of change for those around them to adopt a healthier lifestyle. That said, the role of parents, the main role models for their children, should not be compromised or undermined.

Parents should work hand in glove with schools to ensure that their children get the nutrients they need to grow and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

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Schools have key role in helping kids keep healthy lifestyle - TODAYonline