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Many private schools have launched an awareness campaign that includes seminars and workshops targeting students and parents, to explain the benefits of eating breakfast, to educate students and parents about the importance of this meal in improving academic achievement and ensuring that students are prepared for their school day with full energy and vitality, as many scientific studies have confirmed that a complete meal plays a vital role in improving students’ mental and physical performance, and is the basis for academic success.
In a study published in a scientific journal, data from more than 25,000 students from 15 different countries, including Japan, Germany, Canada, and Brazil, was analyzed. The study showed that students who regularly eat breakfast performed 12% to 18% better academically in core subjects such as math, science, and reading than their classmates who skipped breakfast. The study also showed that students who eat breakfast were 20% more able to maintain focus and attention throughout the school day, and their participation in class activities improved by 15% compared to those who do not eat breakfast.
Sarah Lewis, Head of Primary at GEMS Al Barsha National School, said that her school is keen to send emails to parents urging them to ensure that their children eat breakfast. She explained that this meal helps stimulate the metabolism and renew energy after the overnight fast, and provides the essential nutrients and glucose needed for learning and physical activity. Lewis added that skipping breakfast can lead to low energy levels, poor concentration and irritability, which negatively affects the learning process.
In turn, Jansi Josey, School Clinic Officer at New Dawn School, stressed the importance of choosing healthy and balanced foods as part of breakfast, noting that her school is keen to educate students on a daily basis about breakfast. She pointed out that students who eat breakfast regularly are less likely to suffer from fatigue during school hours, which is positively reflected in their academic achievement.
Yasmine Zahra, a primary education teacher, said that breakfast is not only food for the body, but it is also the basis for achieving academic success. Through her experience in education, Jamal has noticed that students who eat breakfast regularly are more active and able to absorb lessons, and are more interactive with teachers and colleagues.
Teacher Hoda Rabie explained that the continuous efforts made by schools to emphasize the importance of breakfast as an essential part of students’ daily routine is a vital step, noting that cooperation between schools and parents in this regard is essential to ensure the provision of an appropriate educational environment that supports students’ abilities and helps them achieve academic excellence.
