'I want food to be tasty and healthy': school-children's experiences with nutrition education and messaging.

Abstract

Ensuring that children and adolescents receive adequate nutrition is a cornerstone of public health globally, supporting their growth, development, and long-term well-being, but not enough is known about children and adolescents' perspectives on nutrition. The aim of this study was to obtain the perceptions and attitudes of school-aged children and adolescents (4-18 years) on existing models and approaches to food education and food messages. Data were collected using friendship paired interviews and focus groups from the children and adolescents (n = 70) within Northern Ireland (NI) and Republic of Ireland (ROI) in seven primary and six post-primary schools, which were recruited to reflect different groups in terms of gender, age, region and rural/urban. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) with NVivo supporting the coding and analysis. Three themes were identified, (i) 'Impactful messaging'; (ii) 'Guidance and support', and (iii) 'Improving messaging and education'. This study found that food messaging and delivery needs to be age-appropriate, consistent and accurate from multiple sources to cut through the 'noise' of less healthy food messages. Children and adolescents want increased voice and agency in their food education, as they know what works for them, such as opportunities with peers and social media. By using co-design methodologies, food education can be better aligned with their needs and interests. Striking the right balance between 'tasty' and 'healthy' is a clear recommendation from children and adolescents to rethink their involvement in food education.