Health and Wellbeing Survey (South Area): Background

66% take part in a sports club run by school Health and Wellbeing Survey (South Area): Background THE FIRST Glasgow secondary schools n Physical Activity, Diet and Sleep 50% health and wellbeing survey was carried n Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs of all young IN 2010 all 30 out in 2006/7. In early 2010, Glasgow n General health people travel to secondary schools in City Community Health Partnership n Mental health and wellbeing agreed to support a follow up to the n Self-esteem, bullying and anti-social school by active Glasgow took part in a original schools health and wellbeing behaviour means health and wellbeing survey. n Future aspirations The aims of the 2010 study were to n Services aimed at young people. survey which was gather current information on the pupil Since the first survey was undertaken, commissioned by NHS population, gather data on key areas local authorities and schools have of health and gain an understanding to seen the introduction of the Schools Greater Glasgow & pupil perceptions of their health and (Health Promotion and Nutrition) 72% Clyde. A total of 8,282 wellbeing. (Scotland) Act 2007, and Curriculum The survey included questions on the for Excellence. Both place health and of respondents pupils (S1-S4) took following topics: wellbeing at the heart of education. eat a breakfast part in the survey. n Demographics – including age, Compared to the original survey, the gender, family composition, 2010 results show some encouraging each morning deprivation and ethnicity findings! The data: key findings from the South Area IN THE South Glasgow area 3,247 pupils took part in the survey, Schools Health Summit with relatively equal proportion of young people represented Thursday 14th June 2012 81% from S1 to S4. From this sample size, 81% of young people described themselves as White British and 10% of young people Pollokshields Burgh Hall had received as Asian. The topics being explored include: Aspirations; Mental relationships Like the Glasgow City report, the South Glasgow report is very Health; Physical Activity; Anti-social Behaviour and interesting and has revealed useful findings to inform health Bullying; Smoking; Diet: Healthy Eating. education improvement planning at a local level. Life circumstances “…findings to inform Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs 3 in 5 pupils lived at home with both health improvement Encouragingly fewer pupils reported parents. 3 in 10 pupils lived in single planning at a local that they have ever smoked. 75% parent families. Over three quarters of of all pupils reported that they 78% all pupils reported that they had some level” have never tried smoking; this is a savings, and 58% of them reported they significant increase from the last brush their had £10 or more per week to spend on Boys were more likely than girls to survey and mirrors national findings teeth twice themselves. A quarter of pupils (25%) participate in sports either in a school in the Health Behaviours of Scottish had someone in their family household club or in a club outside of school. Schoolchildren Survey. The proportion daily with a disability, long-term illness or Half of all pupils (50%) travelled to of pupils who reported being current drug/alcohol problem. Among those school by active methods such as smokers decreased from 10% in who had a household family member walking or cycling. 71% of all pupils the 2007 survey to 8% currently with at least one of these conditions, reported that they own a bicycle. for Glasgow as a whole – this is a two thirds (66%) said that they looked statistically significant decrease. after or cared for them because of Diet For the South area, the numbers their illness/disability. Whilst 17% of pupils smoking is 9%. 75% of 75% of all pupils sampled reported that Encouragingly, 72% of all pupils pupils reported being exposed to they cared for a relative at home. Just reported that they ate breakfast in the environmental tobacco smoke and have never over half (56%) of the young carers morning. Boys were more likely than more than half of pupils (57%) said tried reported that it made them feel good girls to have eaten breakfast, (80% boys that someone smoked in the place smoking to be able to help, almost a third of v 64 % girls). The popularity of school where they live most of the time. them said that they had learned lots Fuel Zones as a place to eat lunch has Again, very encouragingly, fewer of new skills from caring for others, increased tremendously from 30% in pupils report that they are drinking and 22% of them said sometimes the 2007 survey to 40% of all pupils alcohol, with three in five pupils they were unable to do homework. in the current survey for Glasgow as a saying they have never drunk alcohol. whole. The figure for pupils using Fuel Among those who ever drank alcohol, Physical Activity Zone for lunch in the South is 41%. pupils in the south sector were more Pupils were asked how many portions likely than those in Glasgow city as 71% 4 out of 5 pupils (80%) reported that of fruit and vegetables they ate on a whole to say they never got drunk they take part in sports clubs out of the previous day. One in nine, (11%), (66% South Sector, 61% Glasgow have a school in their own time and 2 in 3 did not eat any fruit or vegetables. City). With regard to the use of drugs, Young Scot (66%) participated in sports clubs run Just over 1 in 3, (36%) met the target again there are fewer pupils reporting card by the school. Swimming, football, of consuming five or more portions that they use illegal substances. and dance were the most popular. of fruit and/or vegetables per day. continued on page 3

Contributing schools: Bellahouston Academy, Castlemilk High School, Hillpark Secondary School, Holyrood Secondary School, King’s Park Secondary School, Lourdes Secondary School, Rosshall Academy, Shawlands Academy, St. Margaret Mary’s Secondary School and St. Paul’s High School. Page 1 Counting Holyrood health calories not carrots

Castlemilk High’s ideas to get everyone eating more healthily

A SURPRISING result from the survey is that only 16% of pupils in Castlemilk High School who completed the survey eat five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day. This is a concern compared to other schools across the city. Some young people have said that possible Holyrood Secondary’s many ways of maintaining a reasons for lack of fruit and vegetable intake could include dental problems happy and healthy life (wearing braces), eating whole fruit can be uncomfortable and some felt that HOLYROOD R.C. Secondary School like school meals is in the number of Holyrood than in the southside (71%) on occasions the fruit in Fuel Zone can is the largest school in Europe and is pupils who choose to eat out – only and across the council (70%). Most vary in quality. situated on the southside of Glasgow. 34% compared to 40% for the southside of the S6 students said that they Encouragement in primary schools There are 2000 pupils and over 150 and 41% across the council. This shows would be continuing their studies to eat five-a-day is very good and staff in a re-furbished building with the that the pupils are happy with what is in Glasgow due to the recession. children were able to access free fruit highest standard of facilities. on offer and don’t feel the need to eat One suggestion for improvement to encourage healthy eating. However, Throughout Glasgow City Council elsewhere. With choices such as the was in the area of exercise, and there seems to be a change in attitude area, including at Holyrood Secondary, salad bar, the main meal section and the particularly for girls. Holyrood has when young people come to secondary certain pupils are granted free school sandwich bar pupils eat and drink well. fantastic sports and recreational school. Some young people have said meals in the canteen at lunchtime. Only 36% of Holyrood pupils choose facilities and school pupils have that peer pressure can be a reason for This meal provides them with what fizzy drinks at lunchtime compared to access to these in the course of not eating fruit and vegetables as it’s could be their main meal of the day 39% in the southside and 40% across the day during PE periods. There not seen to be ‘cool’. and the crucial energy to help them the city. In addition, free drinking are also after school clubs such as Although there is no Home stay focused on their studies. In water is very popular with all pupils. football, netball and athletics, which Economics department, pupils at Holyrood only 22% of the pupils receive First Year pupils also remain in pupils are encouraged to attend. Castlemilk High learn about food and free school meals. This compares school at lunchtime as part of the At the end of S2 pupils can choose health through PSE and science. The with 24% in the Southside and 25% council initiative, ‘The Big Eat In’. to study PE to Standard Grade and school also run an after school cookery across the whole of Glasgow. They are encouraged to eat healthily beyond. Within the area of PSE pupils club for S1 and S2 pupils. Having a Even though 22% of pupils in and participate in physical activity. are given lots of information and advice Home Economics department could Holyrood receive free school meals, Healthy minds and bodies lead to about a healthy lifestyle. They are help promote more healthy eating 48% of the school population choose highly achieving, ambitious pupils. then in a position to make informed messages. There are also two vans to eat in. This compares very well In a recent survey 77% of S6 pupils choices about how they lead their lives. outside the school that sell everything with 41% in the Southside and 40% they said that they stayed on at school There seem to be fewer options apart from fruit! across the city. An additional 26% of for a number of reasons. Some were available for girls in terms of sporting In order to encourage more young pupils in Holyrood choose to remain too young to leave, some wanted to activities. They would like to have people to eat fruit and vegetables, in school at lunchtime and they do this improve their results and some wanted more netball, more rounders, as well the school could consider doing the for good reasons. Perhaps they like the to go to college or university and so as cheerleading, zumba, modern dance following range of meals on offer or the value for had to achieve a good set of Highers and maybe table tennis or badminton. n Advertising more through posters money at £1.15. The advantage of this or Advanced Highers. Many of them Girls would also like to see much and leaflets through the school, is that the school can encourage the already had places secured in these more use of the Young Scot card which telling pupils to eat five a day. pupils to choose wisely in their dietary institutions and intended to go on and offers discounted and free exercise n Another possible way would be to needs if they stay in at lunchtime. become doctors, lawyers, engineers such as the gym and fitness classes make smoothies or fruit kebabs More proof that Holyrood pupils and joiners. This figure is higher in in leisure centres across Glasgow. available in the Fuel Zone which looks colourful and tastes delicious. n Tasting sessions or fruit days could Smokers are jokers at St. Margaret also encourage more young people to eat fruit and vegetables. Mary’s Secondary School n Fuel Zone could promote the five-a- day on their TV screen. THIS ARTICLE is about smokers in St. Margaret to smoking. n More focus should be made of the Mary’s Secondary School. The disease lung cancer that is caused fruit options available at intervals. The health survey which was taken in 2010 through excessive smoking is characterised as n The school has lots of space at stated that of the 10% of pupils who are current uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. the back, this could be used to smokers, 83% of them said that they smoked A teacher at St. Margaret Mary’s Secondary encourage pupils and staff to grow in school. According to the government graph said, “I think smoking is really bad for you.” their own fruit and vegetables as published in 2008 females smoke more than Thank you for reading our article we hope you part of Curriculum for Excellence. males. We also found out through research that have enjoyed it. We believe that smokers really n The school should continue to offer the average smoker loses 10 years of their life due are jokers. after school pupil cookery classes. Page 2 How Castlemilk High School’s motto provides a Further springboard for a healthy lifestyle education not for everyone?

OVER the years Castlemilk High School has gone from strength to strength in further education numbers, our rate is Nothing but the above the target figure and our positive leavers destination are the fifth highest in the city. The survey showed 61% of pupils surveyed would expect to go to university/college. Although compared best will do to other schools this might seem slightly CASTLEMILK High School is a non- are based on mutual respect and there Over the years Castlemilk High lower, it doesn’t mean that the young denominational, comprehensive school, are lots of opportunities for staff and has achieved great success, winning people at Castlemilk High don’t have situated in the south-east of Glasgow pupils to take part in various activities lots of awards, most recently Glasgow high expectations for their futures. with a roll of 394. The school is very together (for example Gairloch croft, Sport School of the Year and we have It is understandable that some much part of the local community theatre productions, discos, football had great reports from Her Majesty’s pupils might not want to go to working closely with nurseries, primary matches). Inspectors of Education. university because they have other schools, St. Margaret Mary’s Secondary As a health promoting school, As our motto says, ‘Nothing but the expectations for their future, that is School and local organisations. Castlemilk High offers a great range best will do’ for everyone at Castlemilk going straight into employment as Our school is very fortunate to of opportunities for young people to High. soon as they have left school or getting overlook the fantastic Cathkin Braes promote their health and wellbeing In 2010 a survey was carried out an apprenticeship. Another problem Country Park which has been selected (sports activities, after school clubs, the recording the health and wellbeing of all may be that some young people can’t as a venue for the Commonwealth Miller room, reward systems). Teachers pupils in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde attend further education as they have Games. provide a varied style of teaching area. All 30 Glasgow secondary schools other responsibilities like taking care of As a smaller establishment, everyone which helps young people develop took part and this article, produced by a someone. knows each other and there is a real as successful learners, confident group of S3 pupils, will highlight some Almost 20% of pupils surveyed look community feel about the school. individuals, effective contributors and of the findings from Castlemilk High. after a family member, this may make Relationships between staff and pupils responsible citizens. it more difficult for them to do a course or go to a college or university. This could also have an effect on money also, From the Headteacher of Castlemilk High School, Diane O’Neill attending college/university doesn’t being in money to the house household but being in employment does. “I was delighted that our S3 focus group of pupils, along with In addition to the support that the school already provide to young carers, their English teacher and our Health Improvement Seniors the school could consider some of the following: spent time looking at Castlemilk High School’s survey results. n More information across the school for staff and pupils about young Overall the survey indicated our pupils’ health and wellbeing carers n PSE could look at lessons on young is sound. We will certainly be taking on board the five-a- carers and who they are and what they do day challenge and looking at how as a school we can further n The school could use Carer’s week that happens in June to help raise support our young carers.” awareness n Organisations who work with young If you would like to find more information about Castlemilk High please visit www.castlemilkhigh.glasgow.sch.uk carer’s could visit the school to promote what they offer. Key Findings, continued from page 1

Health Feelings and Worries to their mum/female carer about their Antisocial Behaviour Youth Services worries and 88% talked to friends, with Just over 1 in 4 pupils, (27%), said that boys being more likely to speak to their Pupils were asked from a list of nine One in four pupils, (25%), said they they had an illness or disability that is dad/male carer (73%). More than 4 in 5 antisocial behaviours, which they had went to a local youth club or drop in likely to go on for a long time. Of those pupils (81%) had received relationships engaged in during the last year. One in youth centre, while 41% said they did with a long term illness/disability, half, education, and reported that they found three, (29%) had engaged in antisocial not know of one they could go to and 50% of this group had asthma. it had prepared them well for dealing behaviour. The most common form was 33% said they knew of one they could with relationships. fighting which accounted for nearly a go to but didn’t go. 71% of pupils have Dental and Oral Health quarter of this. a Young Scot card. Pupils were asked Strength and Difficulties if they used Glasgow Life Services This is a great public health Aspirations such as museums, libraries and sports achievement; 78% of all pupils reported For the first time, the survey included centres and, encouragingly, 92% of all that they brushed their teeth twice daily; the strengths and difficulties Very encouragingly, 7/10 pupils pupils had been to at least one of these this has risen since the last survey. Also, questionnaire and encouragingly more expected to go on to further education, services, 76% reporting they had used over 80% of pupils had visited a dentist than three quarters of all pupils (78%) although boys are less likely than girls a sports centre, 59% saying they had in the last six months and 91% said they had a score that indicated they were not to say this, (80% girls v 61% boys). Boys used a library, and 45% reporting that were registered with a dentist. experiencing a high level of difficulties. were more likely than girls to expect to they had visited a museum. 27% of our go into employment, 33% boys v 16% young people reported that they had Relationships Bullying girls). used a community centre.

When asked if they had someone to talk 18% of pupils said they had been a To view the full report, please visit to about their worries; 80% of pupils victim of bullying either at school or http://www.phru.net/rande/Web%20Pages/Schools%20Survey%202010.aspx reported that they found it easy to speak elsewhere in the last year. Page 3 Smoking Hooked on smoking shock By Siannon Smyth, Jacqueline Young and Jack Garrow, St.Margaret Mary’s Secondary School

From St. Paul’s High School ST MARGARET MARY’S SECONDARY SCHOOL was one of many schools in the A RECENT NHS survey in Glasgow causing some of the most harmful southside to participate in a Health Survey in school showed pupils in St. Paul’s High diseases – cancer and lung disease. It 2011. School are less likely to say they never can shorten a person’s life span, making The statistics for people smoking in St. smoke compared to other schools in them appear older and their body will Margaret Mary’s Secondary were: Glasgow city. be filled with harmful chemicals. n 10% admitted to being current smokers. Most who smoke/smoked had done/ Cigarette smoke contains about n of those 10%, half of them admitted to do it with their friends. 4,000 different chemicals which smoking in school. The survey shows that most pupils can damage the cells and systems This is high. Out of 25 people who we at St Paul’s who tried smoking said they of the human body. These include interviewed most had tried cigarettes. Our bought their cigarettes from a local at least 80 chemicals that can cause group are obviously very concerned about this shop. They mostly bought a pack of 10 cancer (including tar, arsenic and many pupils admitted trying a cigarette due to cigarettes and they smoked outside with formaldehyde). Most of these chemicals peer pressure: their friends. are found on our “All ma mates pure smoke so I do too.” (S3 Interviewing a roads or would be put Pupil) member of staff (by one straight in the bin by In St. Margaret Mary’s we think the number of of the XL class), the most people. people who smoke is too high. staff member had said Every time a As a school we plan to reduce the number the problem wasn’t a smoker inhales, these of people if they are aware of their children big issue in the school. chemicals are drawn smoking to encourage them to get help to try Pupils are given a clear into the body where and give up smoking as it is a major concern message about the facts they interfere with cell for their health and well being. surrounding smoking function and cause In the next health survey, we would like to see and pupils are taught problems. the figures decrease. the dangers of smoking Another question through PSE lessons. was who wanted to stop smoking? It is This problem isn’t just with school best to stop smoking younger so your children it’s been a problem since life will hopefully extend. cigarettes started being sold. Smoking It is said to be hard as once a person is an awful habit but it still continues. become addicted to nicotine. It will be a Youths on the move The affects of smoking have an tricky struggle to stop all together. impact on both the smoker and those People take up smoking for a variety around, related to or in a relationship of reasons. Young people are especially with the smoker. It also has nasty and vulnerable because of pressure from By Jacqueline McGurk, Kieran Richardson and Michael O’Rourke, life threatening side effects. there peers although 68% of the school St. Margaret Mary’s Secondary School Some of the effects of smoking said in the survey they have never include – throat irritation, coughing smoked. and also certain parts of the body begin The smoking issue appears to be a THE YOUTH CLUB in Castlemilk in they were surprised about this and most to rot – hair, nails, teeth and even skin. rather problematic issue, even so most the south of Glasgow is a place you can of them were surprised. Our group Skin will form more wrinkles than of the school have never touched a go to socialise, do different activities think that this is a positive youth club. a non-smoker. Smoking is known for cigarette. and meet different people. This is really We asked a teacher what she thought of good because it gets young people off the youth club and she told us, “I think the streets. that it is great that 50% of our school The potency of passive We researched and asked people use the youth club.”. We also raised about the youth club and found out, money for the youth club and we came smoking… there’s a lot to do and it’s really good to up with £3000. By Shaun Edmonds and Amy McMillan, Hillpark Secondary School meet new friends. We hope that this has given you a We also found out that 50% of our lot of information and a positive view of THE HEALTH of pupils from Hillpark Secondary School is in danger. school go to the youth club. Our group Castlemilk. Our school is very proud for With passive smoking taking its toll on young people’s health, it is time to find did a questionnaire to ask people if supporting the youth club. out more about this deadly threat. A health and well being survey highlighted that a staggering 75% of our pupils were exposed regularly to second hand smoke. With such a high percentage, it is essential we understand how this affects young people in our school. Children growing up around people who smoke are more likely to start smoking later in their lives. The problem of smoking then becomes a vicious cycle with smoking habits passed on between family and friends. According to The Guardian newspaper almost 6 million people were killed from tobacco use in 2011. The powerfully dangerous effects of passive smoking were also highlighted with a figure stating 600 000 people died of passive smoking, 75% of which were women and children. …and the dangers

SMOKE from a cigarette can stay in the air for up to 2 and half hours. Invisible to most people, the effects on your health can be deadly. Second hand smoke contains up to 4000 toxic chemicals that can harm the body. Many of these toxins are known to be the cause of cancer, especially lung cancer. Breathing in someone else’s smoke puts you at risk of developing heart disease, chest pains, pneumonia and bronchitis. You are also at risk of a heart attack. Page 4 Farewell youth clubs – hello street crime By Rachael Harley and Sophie Reilly, Lourdes Secondary School

ARE youth clubs on their way out? The “It’s absolutely crucial we get kids off the good time’. Researchers have found that closure of youth clubs, up and down to teens who attend youth clubs are 20% the country due to the lack of funding, streets and into youth clubs… it’s important less likely to smoke or to ever have been is fuelling antisocial behaviour on our to make sure they’re doing something drunk than others of their age. streets and leaving the future of our Also, those teenagers who would teens uncertain. constructive”, Councillor Ewan Aitken, regard their lives as highly satisfactory Already it can be seen that there Edinburgh City Council. are 51% more likely to belong to a youth has been an increase in street crime club. These statistics show that youth in youth. This means that larger clubs benefit our youth as individuals numbers of young people have come Surveys have shown that 80% of to make sure they’re doing something and make quality improvements in their to the attention of the criminal justice young people have said their youth club constructive.” self esteem. system than in the past because of their helped them to establish right from It has been show that many teens Youth clubs are a way in which the involvement in disruptive behaviour on wrong and 93% have said their club take to the streets because they are local councils are able to reach out to our city streets. And this situation is not represented a safe place to go within bored. 55% of teens involved in street young people and as the street crime is due to improve in the near future. their community. crime report ‘boredom’ is the main increasing it is vital that youth are able Large cuts on youth services budget So, as youth clubs are continuing reason for their offence. to see the problems on our streets and have been seen all around the UK. to close, teens are losing out on many Another challenge which youth clubs understand the ways in which to act In Haringey in North London, the social and communication skills that face is providing activities which appeal responsibly in their local community. youth budget was slashed 75% forcing would have been beneficial to them in to the vast majority of teens. The financial state of youth services local teen youth clubs in the area into later life. As the trends are forever changing, is not due to improve in the near future. closure. Councillor Ewan Aitken, from it is a constant financial struggle for As the government is continuing to However, this is not only the case Edinburgh City Council, said: “It’s youth clubs to keep up with the interest cut the amount of money youth clubs in London. Youth clubs throughout the absolutely crucial we get kids off the of teens, particularly in an age when are receiving, it is unlikely that the UK have struggled to meet the financial streets and into youth clubs. It costs expensive technology holds so much situation with the dwindling number of demands of running a successful youth money to employ more staff and attraction. youth clubs will improve and our youth club leaving them no choice but to give children these opportunities – it The benefits of youth clubs are not are going to be forced to socialise on our close. doesn’t come free – but it’s important just to socialise with friends and ‘have a cities’ streets. Schools’ salty servings versus The healthy helpings! choice is From Lourdes Secondary School yours… DO YOU trust what your school rules as provides to hundreds of is feeding your child? Research schools we are concerned. They are but the throughout the UK suggests that they being asked to put confectionery might not be as healthy as you might and other snacks back on the menu think! especially at mid-morning. It is the choice The latest research shows that 60% return of the sausage roll to schools.’’ of adults in the UK are overweight She said caterers were mostly which is believed to be a result being asked to put snacks into is of unhealthy childhood diets. Six vending machines in schools. It is years ago, famous chef Jamie Oliver thought that schools might be under introduced a campaign to start pressure from pupils and parents to simple. serving healthy nutritional meals in re-introduce certain foods such as schools. Sweets, fizzy drinks and crisps sweets or fatty foods. disappeared from vending machines They say the requests are from and were replaced with healthy snacks the United Kingdom’s new academy or removed completely. schools, which do not have to follow However, six years on, unhealthy the guide lines. As fourteen year olds, problem, but this isn’t true: diet and eating and sport. The idea is to help snacks could be returning to schools in we can see where these academies exercise go hand in hand. the kids grow to become fit teens. The Britain. The Local Authority Catering are coming from. As much as it is The Lagoon Leisure Centre in organisation has had great reviews from Association, which has 700 members good to eat healthily, you are still Paisley is trying to promote this. They everyone who has been! across the UK, said it was a concern that allowed to have a treat once in a while. have opened weekly workshops to Even though fatty foods may be re- there could be a return to unhealthy In our opinion, schools should still educate children and to encourage them introduced into school meals, at least eating in schools. Linda Mitchell, from have healthy snacks with a few sugary to live healthier lifestyles. we know we have clubs such as ACES the association said, “Our members choices to choose from. However, they don’t insist on in Paisley trying to educate children in are telling us that they have been Some people think that if you obsessively weighing the kids, instead having healthy diets and good lifestyles. approached by academies to relax the exercise plenty then your diet isn’t a they introduce the children to healthy Page 5 Fatty Kids’ fat camp? Fat chance! Lourdes Secondary’s report on how our relationship with food has Facts far-reaching consequences By Megan and Zoe, Lourdes Secondary School By Tyler and Matthew, Lourdes Secondary School

RESEARCH shows that in recent years A GROWING problem in Britain is that nutritional food takes hours to The food you eat contains all the majority of the Scottish population obesity. Most adults in Britain are either prepare. This is probably true as they different types of nutrients which are have become obese. Poor diet and lack obese or overweight. That means many do help your body a lot however I think all required for vital processes in your of physical activity are closing in on of us are eating more than we should. it’s worth it. body. tobacco as one of the leading causes of Because people are eating more they In this topic healthy eating you The key nutrients that you need in death. are at risk of getting health problems would expect that it was going to be your diet are: carbohydrates gives such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, all about cutting down in weight, as at osteoporosis and even types of cancer, some point in most people’s lives they “Scotland’s children have these risks can be reduced simply by feel a need to lose a bit of weight or having a healthy diet. get a bit fitter. However these one of the worst dental Scots pupils are loading up on feelings are so common decay in the western snacks packed with salt, fats and sugars they become a major according to survey which suggests part of somebody’s life, world caused by their their five a-day is more likely to consist they may even gain an poor eating habits.” of crisps, sweets and fizzy drinks than eating disorder. the fruit and vegetables recommended These eating to them by health chiefs. disorders such A UK poll of young people, including as anorexia and the guardian 250 Scots aged 11-16 found that bulimia nervosa can 22% of secondary school children leave a person with a indulge in fatty and sugary snacks very low self-esteem Between 16 and 33 per cent of three or more times a week. It also and a distorted body children are obese, parents/carers revealed 92% of scots did not eat the image. They can lead should be trying to address this recommended five a day, slightly higher to depression and problem as poor eating habits are than the UK’s average of 88% and even put people at usually modelled by them. When underlining Scotland’s reputation as the the risk of suicide children grow up consuming excessive unhealthiest of the four home nations. or self-harm. amounts of fast foods, sugary snacks A senior reporter, Alison Campsie Anyone can develop and fizzy drinks, they are at the risk of wrote an article in the Herald which an eating disorder, becoming obese. says that if more of the English diet was although most likely In an attempt to tackle obesity adopted it could save 2000 scots every it will occur in young schools will be encouraged to teach year. Research from scientists for the women aged from pupils more about nutrition in science British Heart Foundation claimed that 15-25. lessons. They will also be urged to use the average diet in England contained Over 1.1 million extra-curricular activities to foster an less saturated fat, salts and fibre plus people in the UK are interest in healthy food. it had more fruit and vegetables, than directly affected by an The vast majority of kids could its Scottish equivalent. This has also eating disorder. Eating potentially die before they even contributed to a lower death rate in disorders affect 1, fifteen- reach the age of 55, because they are England from heart disease, strokes and year-old girl in every 150 consuming diets burdened with toxic ten different types of cancers. whereas 1, fifteen-year-old boy in chemicals and nutritionally depleted Healthy eating and consuming fruit every 10,004 this means that girls are ingredients that leave them dangerously and vegetables appear to make people 10 times more likely than boys to suffer deficient in nutrients necessary to down right miserable. Many consumers from eating disorders. you energy; sustain life. regard the healthy eating option as Anorexia nervosa is an eating protein also a regimented, boring and tasteless and disorder which is characterised by source of energy Poor diet contributes to a range of feel that avoiding junk food is not a way food restriction and irrational fear of which helps grow and repair all tissues serious illnesses, the junk food facts of life for ordinary people. gaining weight. The restriction of food in your body; fats are a concentrated about soft drinks alone are alarming, The report says one of the major intake causes metabolic and hormonal source of energy and help to give you there is compelling evidence that barriers to transforming the health of disorders. It is thought as a lifelong vitamins around your body. Vitamins regular consumption of soft drinks lead Scotland is the belief that a healthy diet illness that will never truly be cured, and minerals are important to keep to: is a more expensive and the perception but only managed over time. your body healthy and fully functional. n increased rates of bone fracture n increased risk of osteoporosis – caused by low calcium in a diet n increased risk of weight gain and obesity Five-a-day Eating well and being Pupils subject to n increased risk of Type II diabetes – active ‘environmental smoke’ caused by high fat diets n increased risk of kidney stones THE RECENT health survey showed THE RECENT health survey showed PUPILS at King’s Park Secondary n increased rate of tooth decay and that King’s Park Secondary pupils are that King’s Park Secondary pupils are School are breathing in other people’s dental problems – caused by an amongst the healthiest in Glasgow. amongst the healthiest in Glasgow. smoke. 69% of pupils say that they are excessive amount of sugar. The survey showed that a significant The survey showed that a significant exposed to cigarette smoke at some In Scotland more than 65% of men number of pupils in the school are number of pupils in the school are point in their day. and 59% of women are overweight. This eating five portions of fruit and active. The survey showed that walking The school will now look at ways to is also the case for children, with 35% of vegetables. to school is significantly higher in King’s help people in the community to reduce primary school pupils and around 65% The school has also been growing its Park than other schools. this figure. of 11 to 12 year olds being overweight. own vegetables and using them in the The recent inspection in the school To conclude, more and more of Home Economics department. showed that pupils have lots of today’s young generation are becoming This has helped to spread the healthy opportunities for exercise from rugby to overweight due to a lack of nutritional eating message. dance. food and a massive consumption of fatty foods and sugary drinks. From King’s Park Secondary School Page 6 Junk food: Junk results!

By Monica Sheridan and Rebecca Mansley, Lourdes Secondary School

AN EXPERIMENT on school children afternoon classes. A team from the revealed that 92% of children do not eat of fatty foods like burgers, biscuits and about whether healthy eating affects University of West England carried out their five-a-day but instead indulged in cakes has an effect on pupil’s academic concentration and exams results has the research, which also revealed that sugary snacks 3 or more times a day. behaviour and results. revealed that obese children are more children’s interest in healthy eating On average, youngsters today consume Another reported also concluded likely to perform worse in exams influenced their eating habits at home 1/3 of their daily intake alone on sugary that school meals that were cooked compared to those who eat healthily. and what their parents bought at the snacks. Per day they are consuming on in fat and which included chips, were Researchers found that school supermarket. average: 1 packet of crisps, 1 chocolate twice as popular as lower fat options, children eating unhealthily at lunch Two mothers were caught smuggling bar, 1 bag of jelly sweets, 1 fizzy drink and 90% of schools that served chips are four times less likely unhealthy food to the children in a local and 1 energy drink – all accumulating to served them deep-fried. to concentrate school in South Yorkshire in protest of 30 teaspoonfuls of sugar! More than 75% chose desserts in their their healthy eating policy. They were Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s healthy compared to just over half of the passing fast food through the school school meals have boosted learning in children choosing vegetables. Also, one fence to the children at lunchtime, as schools in the UK. It has been proven third of schools failed to serve a fruit- they were unhappy with the schools that children who eat from Jamie’s diet based dessert. new menu. One of the mothers, Julie perform better in tests and are sick less A survey showed that when schools said: often. improved their meals to make them “We just want our kids to have a However, not all schools are co- healthier, there was an average choice… kids are not eating what they operating. One school previously was improvement of 6% in the number of are providing and so they are stuck caught giving the pupils crisps and pupils reaching a high level in English, in there starving.” doughnuts at a morning breakfast club. and on average an 8% improvement in Only 23% of schools in the UK Further research showed that science. Also, the number of children met the Government’s standards children who ate at the clubs weren’t that had absences for sickness showed a for healthy meals. When faced offered cereal or fruit and on average, decrease by 14%. with the option of fast food or exceeded the daily intake for and adult, This proves that the lottery funding healthy food, it has been proved and predictably achieving lower grades will help improve children’s minds that children are more likely to than those who ate a healthy balanced academically and decrease childhood choose the unhealthy option, breakfast. obesity. meaning that they will have a Millions of National Lottery funding To conclude, schools in the UK and lower level of literacy compared will be contributed towards healthy their pupils should continue to make to those who chose the healthier eating in schools. The money will go the right choices when it comes to options, who will earn also towards re-training catering staff and healthy food. By eating healthily and between £2,103 and £5,476 more encouraging children to cook from not snacking on fatty foods too often throughout their lifetime. scratch using locally sourced products. will inevitably improve their general A UK-wide poll for youngsters It is fact that serving fresh food instead health and boost their school results. My cubby has gone tubby

“…more than a quarter of By Amy Mcdonald and Murron Mclaren, Lourdes Secondary School our 10- to 11-year-olds are obese and many more are overweight.” The Guardian CHILD obesity is becoming a serious problem in Britain as the right foods and avoiding certain things will put a spring in “more than a quarter of our 10- to 11-year-olds are obese and your step and help ward off illness. Unfortunately, getting the “Excessive amounts of being many more are overweight”, Carol Stone from The Guardian. right information can be a challenge, with dozens of common overweight at a young age “Excessive amounts of being overweight at a young age can misconceptions flying around the internet, the gym and the translate into serious medical problems in later life”, Helen pub, expounded by self-appointed ‘experts’. can translate into serious Mcardle from The Herald “a UK-wide poll of youngsters, Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, medical problems in later including 250 scots aged 11 to 16, found that 22% of staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods life…a UK-wide poll of secondary school children indulge in fatty and sugary snacks you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, youngsters, including 250 three or more times a day”. stabilizing your mood, and keeping yourself as healthy as In a survey taken in a S3 class in Lourdes Secondary shows possible – all of which can be achieved by learning some Scots aged 11 to 16, found that 25:3 pupils would choose a McDonald’s over a salad; nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you. that 22% of secondary this survey also shows that the majorithy of pupils snack on You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn school children indulge in chocolate, sweets and crisps as opposed to only four who how to plan ahead to create and maintain a tasty, healthy fatty and sugary snacks snack on fruit. The survey’s results on beverages show that diet. To conclude, our research shows that child obesity is the main drinks consumed are fizzy juice and fruit juice, a growing problem throughout the country, this is due to a three or more times a day.” although fruit juice is assumed to be healthy, many people lack of healthy eating and children eating a large amount of The Herald significantly misjudge the levels of sugar in fruit juice. Eating unhealthy foods. Page 7 Teens fear five-a-day?

Lourdes Secondary shows that ‘five-a-day’ means different things to different people

By Laura O’Callaghan and Erin Kelly, Lourdes Secondary School

IT HAS been revelaed in a recent Britons were asked to estimate how diet, it could reduce crime in the future. they manage to eat all the fruits and survey that more than 20% of Scottish many teaspoons of sugar were in a A possible reason for this could be vegetables at the end of the school teenagers five-a-day food consists of typical serving of a variety of beverages- that the vitamins, minerals and anti- week they get a pass to the Garden fatty foods and sugary drinks. The one teaspoon representing four point oxidants that are in fruit and vegetables Restaurant, which is a restaurant that survey’s results have also shown that two grams of sugar.’’, The Telegraph, are more likely to improve someone’s is a place where the children who’ve only 80% of the Scottish population 17th April 2012. behaviour and calm them down managed to eat all the fruit and eat the recommended five pieces In this survey, the results have compared to fizzy juice, sugary snacks vegetables at the end of the school week of fruit and vegetables a day, this shown that consumers underestimated and crisps which are high in E numbers can enjoy a luxury lunch. underlines Scotland’s reputation as the the amount of sugar contained in a and a high dosage of E numbers can This encourages pupils to eat unhealthiest of the four home nations. number of drinks. This shows that result in hyper active behaviour and healthily and not waste food as the British youngsters are consuming Britons are uneducated in how much people being over hyper active can realise that if they do well they will almost 30 teaspoons of sugar, double sugar goes into an average juice and this result in them becoming angry and receive a treat. the fat from an average McDonald’s could lead to British people becoming aggressive. By putting in a reward system, pupils cheeseburger and over a third of their even more unhealthy. If fewer teens are sent to young are more likely to eat their five-a-day. daily calorie intake from snacks alone! We know for a fact as youngsters offenders institutions, it would help This will help with their concentration, If British children continue with that most people our age would much our economy as it costs almost eighty improve their intelligence and help these bad diets, it will result in severe rather go for a Terry’s chocolate orange, pounds a day to keep a young person in them do better in school. Many pupils obesity, heart disease and general ill rather than a real orange. one of these institutions. in this school were reluctant to try the health. Research has shown that teens who Some schools throughout the UK are reward system at first, however as it Young people who eat healthily feel eat more fruit and vegetables are less already striving to introduce healthy developed they started to warm to it the benefit. They are be more focused likely to commit a criminal offence and catering to their pupils, one school in and eventually began to enjoy eating in school, have more energy to do out be sent to jail. A survey was recently particular is leading the fight to tackle fruit and vegetables. of school activities and have a brighter done at an overcrowded jail in Britain childhood obesity by introducing a If other schools over the UK complexion because healthy eating were half of the inmates were given a reward system. followed in this school’s example, improves your skin because fruit and supplement containing vitamins and “The youngsters have to clean their childhood obesity may become easier vegetables are filled with vitamins, minerals while the rest of the inmates plates for five days in a row in a normal to tackle and children could start to minerals and anti-oxidants that received dummy pills. The results canteen before they get a pass to the enjoy eating different kinds of fruits and improve your skin and mind. revealed that the inmates who took the Garden Restaurant”, Isobel Delusey and vegetables and would have more energy A survey has also shown that kids in vitamin and mineral supplements were Shelley Matheson 31st August 2009, to do exercise and the problem that is school would rather drink fizzy drinks 25% less likely to commit less offences, The Sun. childhood obesity might become less of instead of the healthier options of water than the other group. This supports The system that they’ve introduced a threat. and milk. the idea that eating healthy improves is that the children’s school lunches “For the survey, more than 2,000 behaviour and if teens improve their include part of their five-a-day and if Helping kids win ‘no-belly’ prize

By Michael Flood and Ross Ferguson, Lourdes Secondary School

Children’s diets are full of fat The silent killer

CHILDREN’S diets have become increasingly sugary and full of fat over the last 50 SALT is a silent killer, when you eat more salt, you retain more fluid, sloshing years, leading to an increased rate of childhood obesity. Shops are selling fast food around putting your blood pressure up and giving a higher chance of having a at cheaper prices than healthy food near schools, so kids are more tempted to buy stroke or a heart attack. For example, a McDonald’s Happy Meal contains 940 the cheap tasty foods. milligrams of salt and a single Big Mac burger contains 1040 milligrams of salt. According to The Herald Scotland, from 2002 school children interviewed, a typical daily diet for an eleven- to sixteen-year-olds now includes: a packet of crisps, a chocolate bar, a bag of sweets, one fizzy drink and one energy drink. This The downside of healthy eating means children are consuming 30 teaspoons of sugar a day. They also eat a third of their daily calorie intake on sweets alone. SOME people eat very healthily, but sometimes the emphasis on food can get out of control. This can end up with people eating very little. The results of Bad Habits this are anorexia and bulimia to name a few. Some dieters can feel as if food is contaminating them. Research shows that childhood obesity is on the increase even at its already high RESEARCH has shown that fat parents are ten times more likely to bring up a fat rate. Should more schools be giving out prizes for healthy eating or should children child than thin parents. We know that most people would prefer a fast food meal be stopped by their schools from buying fatty foods at lunchtime? Something has than the healthier option but some schools are trying to stop this by awarding to be done and whatever it is, it will have to be done quickly if we are to avoid the prizes to pupils who choose the healthier option at lunch. The prizes include: prospects of half the country’s children to be obese within the next 10 years. iPod’s, Playstations and gift vouchers, but how healthy is buying kids a Playstation, why not a bike? Page 8

Youth Clubs: crime stoppers Active Youths? or crime starters? Here’s the truth! Youth Club Shortage

From Lourdes Secondary School By Kyle Brennan and Anthony Grimley, Lourdes Secondary School

THE NUMBER of young people IN recent years many young people’s referrals to the Children’s Reporter will interest youths, the number of attending youth clubs has slowly been behaviour has deteriorated. Experts on offence grounds in respect of 2,918 crime committed by people under the decreasing over the past five years. This think that this problem is due to young children, (approximately 2.2 offence age of 16 will decrease. article will be investigating the reasons people having not enough opportunities referrals per child). New figures show that youths in behind this drop and what kind of to keep them off the street and out of In the 2005 survey, more than half Britain are more likely to drink, take influence youth clubs have on today’s trouble. Surveys that were handed out of people who responded felt that young drugs, have sex, join gangs and get into generation of youth. to the pupils of Lourdes Secondary people were responsible for antisocial fights than almost anywhere else in Youth clubs organisations provide a School show that there are very few behaviour. Although in 2007, the Europe, new figures show. Published safe place for young people to socialise local youth clubs and that they know of. most common response was still that by the Institute for Public Policy and stay out of trouble. It is important Also, it shows that the activities held young people were responsible; this Research (IPPR), they come just as the that today’s teens have somewhere to in youth clubs hold very little interest had dropped to 45%. Evidence from government announces its new 10- make friends and a place they can go to for young people. The surveys show research suggests that young people are year youth strategy to tackle teenage avoid boredom. that youths don’t particularly like being most likely to be victims rather than delinquency which calls for a youth club One online source (glasgowlife.org. supervised whilst hanging around perpetrators of crime. in every neighbourhood. uk) states that youth clubs are usually with their friends. Therefore, a way This means that when young The lack of “somewhere to go in the for 12-18 year olds. The community to improve that might be to have the people are out on the street, they may evening” is a stock grievance among of Glasgow offers a wide range of supervisors that are younger and are be causing trouble, however they are many teenagers and often cited as a organisations including church groups, able to relate to the youths. also attracting trouble as well. So the reason for them going off the rails. But Girl Guides and sports clubs. In fact Experts believe that if they can keep question is, is the street really the place research shows simply giving them a studies show that Girl Guides are the young people occupied and off the for young people hanging about? As base to meet and socialise can do more most popular youth organisation in the streets, the statistics for youth crime mentioned earlier on in the article, harm than good. UK with 8,200 joining last year alone would fall by a large number. During experts believe that if they can set up bringing the total number of member the year 2006/2007 there was 6,501 some kind of club/organisation which participants to over 530,000. These associations don’t just offer a safe and supervised environment, but Evidence from research suggests that young also have a wide range of activities on offer. Pool, darts, indoor-football, table people are most likely to be victims rather than tennis and arts and crafts, are just some of the things that help and encourage perpetrators of crime. young people to develop emotional and social skills. Keeping teenagers out of trouble is a hard task these days; however youth clubs are quite successful. An article on BBC News Online (news.bbc.co.uk) claims that youth in Britain are more likely to drink, take drugs, have sex and get into fights than anywhere else in Europe. During the years of 2006-2007 the total crimes and offences detected by under-16s in Glasgow rose to 6,760. So, although youth clubs aren’t very popular, there should certainly be more to prevent today’s youth from ending up in jail. Youth clubs do not have many negatives, however if they are not correctly overseen then it is potentially somewhere for young people to go and involve themselves in inappropriate behaviour; such as underage drinking, bullying and drugs. Incidents such as this could easily be prevented if the youth clubs are run properly by reliable and responsible adults. Like all things in life, youth clubs have their positives and negatives, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion of them. Investigating what the younger generation enjoy and find entertaining is one way in which youth clubs could gain more attendees and keep young people off of the streets, and in a safe setting. Page 9 Spare time, more crime? With the decrease of youth clubs, youth crime rates soar

By Rachael Todd and Laura Mansley, Lourdes Secondary School

MANY youth clubs are set up to provide and display it in a positive light, so being perceived as intimidating by elder any clubs because they don’t feel there young people in their local area with this could subliminally influence them members of public. is enough available in their area that activities designed to keep them off the towards accepting a life of crime. Crime and the fear of crime, they’re interested in and felt as if the streets and out of trouble, and to give But some young people are able particularly by children is a major council should provide more. them a job and interest in an activity. to realise that others are abandoning concern of the government and public The council and youth services Youth clubs all over Britain have closed youth clubs to roam the streets instead. alike, over the last decade there has could try to gain interest in youth clubs down due to budget cuts, but this has When questioned about youth clubs, been an 800% rise in the number of again by advertising the opportunities led some young people to engaging in a 15-year-old from London answered, under-15s sent to detention centres. they offer more often; many teenagers a life of crime; without them in place, “I used to go to youth clubs but now Also, in 2002 26% of teenagers said may know of them or be hesitant to there could be the possibility of youth there’s nothing to do. We’re just out they had committed crime in the past 12 become involved unless they know crime rates rising because teenagers here getting up to no good.” months, compared to 24% in 1999. what activities will be involved and may feel they have nothing to do and In recent years the government have Teenagers who are white males who is going to be there. If teenagers end up hanging around the streets. slashed the budget for youth services by living in London are engaged in were more informed about youth clubs There are a few reasons as to why 75%. As a result many youth clubs have much more serious crime according in their area there could be a rise in youth clubs have proven unpopular in been forced to shut down and retire to research. 60% said they had been membership levels. recent years, one being that technology their services, leaving hundreds of involved in handling stolen goods, 55% As the popularity of youth clubs has taken over and has become one of young people with nowhere to go. In a said they had carried a weapon other continues to decrease, the main effect the most popular ways for young people recent survey, 80% of children admitted than a gun, and 325% admitted they is the impact on youth crime levels as to spend their leisure time. With mobile they have nowhere to go in their spare had stolen mobile phones. young people use their time to roam the phones, internet and many gaming time. In a survey recently taken in Lourdes streets and cause trouble through their devices, young people can take the Research suggested that 1 million Secondary School in Glasgow, only 17% community. Youths need to be provided easier lazier option and rely on this new children have resorted to hanging about of a class regularly attended a youth with clubs to fill their time and make technology as a form of entertainment the streets, parks and public spaces in club, and only 20% were interested themselves and their neighbourhood a and communication. Also, many of search of something to do, where they in joining one. Several of the pupils safer and more welcoming place! these computer games feature violence risked either getting into trouble or commented that they didn’t attend Aw d’you think so? Or the power of positive thought

From Govan High School

DON’T worry, we’ve not gone mad – yourself! How did that work out for us? “When it comes to luck, we make our own” Bruce Springsteen our Pastoral Care Teacher gave us that Well, we went to Cambridge University. quotation and it seemed appropriate. A group of S3 pupils from Govan visited We were shown a health report Did you know that our brains play we’ve told your brain what to look Cambridge University and it was great. which included an odd statistic about tricks on us? There’s lots of evidence out for it will do it. You’ll be amazed Now we’re planning on visiting Harvard the percentage who expect to go to but we only take in information that how many you see! University. We were interviewed by university and it’s not very high. The we believe is true about ourselves. For n Make your best pal sick – tell the Times Educational Supplement key word is expect. It’s all in the mind! example, walk into school saying, “This someone you know they look ill: (Scotland) about our Programme and We know all about the mind and the is going to be rubbish” and there’s a twenty minutes later ask them if PX2. power of positive thinking in Govan very good chance it will be. Or, worse they’re feeling OK. An hour later get Jennifer Baird (S3) said, “I hate High School. still, constantly go about saying “I’m someone to tell them they look sick. accepting less than an A now.” In June 2011, a group of 14 Govan thick” and you’ll never get the grades I guarantee they’ll be going home Ross Woods, another graduate, had High School pupils were selected to be you want. PX2 was all about changing puking by lunchtime! this to say, “The programme has made part of a new project: The Graduate. the way we think and the way we talk So, you see, it’s what’s in your head that us a lot more confident in our abilities It was about helping us to think about about ourselves. counts. Believe you’re healthy and you to get to university. I thought before, university as a possible future for us. It’s more than that though: it was about will be: constantly say you’re not and university that’s impossible…” We took part in a course by the world pushing ourselves outside our comfort you’ll probably be sick for life. So, nothing’s impossible when you put famous Pacific Institute called PX2. zones. Here’s some ways to test if what Tell yourself you’re too thick to go your mind to it! Unlock those brain cells The course was about motivation, we’re saying is true: to university and you’ll never go. and stop being so down on ourselves. setting goals and the power of thinking n Count the number of big red London Tell yourself you’re good enough We’re all brilliant! positively. It was weird but fun! buses you see in a week. Because and deserve to go: you might amaze Good luck (if it exists…) Sociable Teens Castlemilk High takes a closer look at Castlemilk Youth Complex and the Jenniburn Centre

SUPPORT for young people doesn’t Youth clubs and drop in centres are end at the school gates and the local “Streetwise workers are on the street finding great, they give people the chance keep community offers young people out about young people’s issues” off the streets and to meet new people the opportunity to access services and see friends. It also gives the chance and support if needed. The survey clubs are on our doorstep and easy to clubs are well publicised, with staff to take part in trips and new activities highlighted that almost half (49%) of access. “The youth clubs are cheap”, from The Complex coming into school and experiences. They also offer help pupils surveyed went to a youth club. said one young person, and there are at to deliver taster activities and promote and give advice to troubled teenagers, This is a very high as the average for least two clubs that secondary school the activities on offer. They also have for example they ran a programme after all the schools surveyed was 29%. This pupils can go to and one or two for workers on the streets (Streetwise) school on a Wednesday for teenagers excellent result for our school could be primary school, so there is a choice who promote The Complex and find that have health concerns. Some of our due to many things one of which is that which is always good. The clubs for out young people’s issues”. Young older pupils who attend the clubs have perhaps pupils from Castlemilk High secondary pupils are Castlemilk Youth people also get the chance to go to the gone to be voluntary workers and some have more opportunity to go to youth Complex and the Jenniburn Centre. Complex when they are in Primary 7 so ex pupils are now employed by the clubs than other young people as our Another young person said, “Our youth they have an idea of what is involved. clubs. Page 10 Be vigilant, listen, Our Healthy School? By J.C. Catterson, A. Hewitt, D. O’Hare,B. Cawley, M. Lockhart, A. Kovalenko of look, act! Rosshall Academy OK, let’s cut to the chase. Every school longer socially acceptable in our school. From Bellahouston Academy has issues; we are no exception to this Smoking was previously seen as cool by rule. No matter how many awards, or everyone but now it is only seen as cool our reputation, there will always be the by those who do it personally. BELLAHOUSTON ACADEMY is a non denominational, co-educational school with odd case of a student who wants to do Fortunately, support amongst Glasgow around 850 pupils. their own thing their own way. schools (not just Rosshall Academy) Thankfully our problems are miniscule; has improved dramatically over the the only issue that we really have to past decade. There are now support At Bellahouston Academy we support that cope with is a certain group of students lines that young people who smoke that have felt the need to smoke in can contact for assistance. There are the school grounds whenever they members of staff that can advise a get the chance. Thankfully, the larger course of action to take as well as No child deserves to be demographic of students has also precautions to prevent people from bullied – it’s unacceptable acknowledged this issue. Smoking is no starting in the first place. behaviour and can have a How easily can cigarettes be devastating effect on the obtained? victim. In the recent Glasgow City Schools Health and Wellbeing Survey 2010, 9% of BBC website, 2012 pupils admitted to being current smokers and just under half of them (44.4%) claimed that they bought their supply of cigarettes from the local shops in the area themselves! It isn’t just from local shops 22.2% of students who smoke say they purchase them What is bullying? from an ice cream van. Not every underage person is buying cigarettes themselves. 33.3% of students When we asked some of our first year pupils what they thought bullying was they who smoke get cigarettes from a friend or just someone they know and 18.5% of said, “name calling, trying to fight with someone, kicking people, racist comments, students who smoke buy them from a friend or someone they know. all kinds of abuse, taking advantage of someone smaller than you, cyber bullying, Finally 3.7% of students who smoke say they steal from their unknowing parents. threatening behaviour, teasing someone.” This is a serious issue and needs to be cracked down upon. It is a criminal offence to sell to underage people or in knowing that the product would be given to an There really are many different forms of bullying: underage person. There should be consequences for breaking the law other than fines. Removal of Verbal name calling or teasing licenses for example would hopefully make entrepreneurs think twice before selling Physical hitting, hair-pulling, kicking or spitting tobacco illegally. Written graffiti, emails, texts (including images) Psychological peer pressure The dangers of smoking Material damaging possessions Social ignoring or excluding others. We all know most of the dangers of smoking but these are some of the unknown dangers: Why do people bully? Cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine itself is a poison and is highly addictive. In large doses, nicotine stops the muscles that allow you to breathe and can kill. We asked some pupils what they thought about bullying and why it took place: They also contain ammonium hydroxide (NH3). NH3 is more commonly known as household bleach! “I think people bully because they may have been bullied when they were Finally they contain urea. Urea is produced by the kidneys and is found in human younger – maybe by their classmates or family. They might bully because I urine! makes them feel better and like they are at the top of the world. The reaction of the victim makes them feel good but it is not good for the victim and can have But it’s getting better… lasting effects!” Sarah Ali, 3H. Rosshall Academy is thriving in several areas of Health and Wellbeing and our curriculum has a wide range of subjects where the physical, emotional and mental “I remember once in primary school this girl got pushed in the gutters and wellbeing for every pupil is at the core. bullies poured Irn Bru all over her. She hid in the toilets, crying for a whole day PSE is designed to teach us and raise awareness about the dangers of what we will and begged me not to tell anyone she was there!” face as a young person including smoking, drinking and drugs to name but a few. Zahrah Tayyub, 3F. Our Pastoral Care Team is there to support all pupils dealing with a wide range of issues or concerns, as well as other potential problems such as bullying or abuse. “I got bullied in Primary School. They used to say to me ‘You should move Other areas of the school curriculum are beneficial to the health of the student school – nobody likes you here’, and they pushed me around and stuff. They body. Home Economics teaches pupils how to make healthy, enjoyable meals at an would kick me and it really hurt. It made me feel scared and I didn’t want to go affordable price. to school. I used to cry in the mornings. But Bellahouston is good – I’ve never In PE every pupil has the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sporting been bullied here!” activities, while also teaching us about teamwork, cooperating with others and to Sidrah Mahmood, 2B. have aspirations. Music and Drama boost emotional wellbeing too by aspiring confidence in the How can bullying be prevented? Who can help? individuals. This new-found assurance in oneself has had a noted effect on many students, and a happier, brighter school has resulted. “We learn about bullying at school in Personal Social and Health Education and cover issues such as bigotry, racism, domestic abuse, homophobia and cyber bullying. Our PSHE course helps us to understand and accept others. There are other ways of dealing with bullying at school for example we can speak to our The FuelZone Pastoral Care Teacher, other teachers or senior pupils or we can tell someone at home.” The cafeteria – FuelZone – provides the school with nutritious goods. The FuelZone Farrah Mustafa, 2B. has a variety of tasty, healthy food that is enjoyed by the vast majority of the school. We have a wide selection of fruit, vegetables and healthy sides (coleslaw and References homemade soup). The FuelZone suits all students of different dietary requirements BBC News website http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/bullying/ (Halal and vegetarian options). Just recently the Fuelzone has introduced all- accessed 2012. natural fruit smoothies which are sold for an affordable price. Find out what Shawlands Academy have learned from the recently published health and wellbeing survey – and what it means to their school and wider community Shawlands Health Summit By Marwan Elfleet, Danyaal Hussain, Evelyn Quesada, Eva O’Donovan, Eilidh Dolan, Waleed Rafiq, Amarah Butt and Zineerah Ali.

SHAWLANDS ACADEMY is recognised as an International School with over 50 languages spoken within the student body. Our school is set in a thriving community with pupils coming from as far afield as the Gorbals. Boy, those kids can walk! We have over 1000 pupils coming in everyday whom can experience a broad range of opportunities such as trips, after school sports activities, the eco club and enterprise activities. The teachers are very supportive and want all pupils to achieve THIS is a report showing the statistics of the Shawlands Academy pupils and their best. Shawlands Academy is a friendly, welcoming school who are optimistic how they get to school. about the future of their pupils. Our roving reporters looked at various issues which we identified as being The Statistics significant in our school. Shawlands Academy is more likely to use active travel to school. The statistics show that almost 60% of the pupils walk/cycle to school; this is a great achievement, that’s more than half of the school! Walking is a really important activity that everyone should do and goes Tackling tobacco towards your overall physical activity target (one hour) each day. The rest of Glasgow has an average of 48% of pupils that walk/cycle to school, so we have an above average score. Tobacco and smoking: the facts Physical Activity On average pupils in Shawlands secondary walk 15 minutes (each way) to HERE at Shawlands Academy we smoking and deter them from smoking and from school. If pupils could be encouraged to walk at a faster pace, they are less likely to be exposed to around teens and young children. Over would be meeting half of their physical activity target each day they go to environmental tobacco smoke. half of the pupils in our school are not school. Less than 14% of the pupils here are exposed to smoke in the house and Considering only 35% of pupils meet the physical activity target, this could be exposed to tobacco smoke everyday, those who are, are aware of where they an ideal opportunity to increase these levels. which is just below the Glasgow are exposed to smoke. average. When we compare our overall Our school also advertise No Why have we achieved this? result of 69% (of pupils ever exposed Smoking posters throughout Shawlands Our success of this can be down to a range of factors, including the great to tobacco smoke), to the worst school Academy making us aware of facts like location of the school. We are in the middle of a small community with in Glasgow – where 87% of pupils are “53,000 non-smokers die from second accessible facilities, within walking distance. The school also promotes plenty exposed to second hand smoke – we are hand smoke each year” and “tobacco of physical activities and healthy eating. significantly better. smoke contains over 4000 chemical We believe that since the smoking compounds, including at least 40 Encouragement ban was introduced in 2006, teenagers cancer-causing carcinogenic agents”. Here everyone to walk to school, people who do not live in walking distance have become more aware of the risks of Shawlands Academy also offers a are encouraged to use public transport, or be dropped halfway by parents or smoking and are less likely to be around range of activities which gives pupils carers. people who smoke. something to do rather than socialise In Shawlands Academy our PSE with people who smoke. Being Green programme for all years includes As part of a joint initiative, involving Shawlands have so many people that walk to school on a daily basis, this lessons in smoking. We are also part of health and other secondary schools in means we saving on things like carbon emissions. the smoke-free class programme which the south east, the school developed encourages teens not to smoke and are their own tobacco resource for S1 pupils Drop in or drop out? more aware of the risks of second hand (a DVD, along with lesson plans). This Here are some of the figures of young people who aren’t using a youth drop in smoking. was launched at the GFT, and as a result centres: Government campaigns also inform other schools in the city are taking this n 22.4% of people said that they do go to a youth drop in centre. smokers of the risks of second hand project on board. n 49.75 of people said that they don’t know that they could go to one. n 72.1% of people are going to free swimming. n 34.1% of people said that they go to a cinema or theatre with a Young Scot Card. n 22% of people of Shawlands Academy go to a youth drop in centre. If we compare that to a different school in Glasgow it is a very big jump, 22% to 51%. There are a lot of drop in centres across Glasgow.

Statistically, Shawlands Academy pupils are less likely to go to a youth drop in centre. We have been working very hard at Shawlands Academy to promote youth centres like the Way-to-go Café and the Barn Youth Centre. Around 50% of our pupils are unaware of the youth drop-in centres in our area, however many are instead using their Young Scot cards to go to the cinema they are also using their card to get free swimming. Pupils in our school are also taking advantage of our after school activities like: gymnastics, drama club, debating club and movie-making club. Although youth centres offer a safe and fun environment and increase young people’s participation in learning, here at Shawlands it would appear that many young people are taking advantage of other opportunities and activities available to them. Our future plans would be to promote and raise awareness of resources available to young people by: n setting up a pupil section on the school website n displaying information on the large screens in the social area and the foyer n providing appropriate links in PSE programmes to local services.

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