Children’s Perceptions about Environmental Sustainability, Food, and Nutrition in Chile: A Qualitative Study

Food is inextricably linked to human health and environmental sustainability; however, very little is known about children’s perceptions of the concept of sustainability in the context of food choices. We aimed to explore the perceptions of Chilean schoolchildren about environmental sustainability, food, and nutrition. Eight online focus groups were conducted with boys and girls aged 8–9 (n = 30). Questions related to environmental sustainability, pocket money, and food characteristics such as price, front-of-package (FOP) warning label, and eco-labels were included. Data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti through a hybrid content analysis approach. Five central themes were identified: (1) children’s favorite snacks, (2) knowledge of sustainability, (3) sustainability and eco-labels use, (4) healthfulness of food products, and (5) pocket money and food prices. Most children were not aware of the meaning of “environmental sustainability”, but the concept was understood when it was explained in plain language. Participants showed awareness about the environmental impact of their eating behavior, had a positive perception of eco-labels, and identified food with fewer warning labels as “better” options. Results indicate that children understand the concept of sustainability in food if it is communicated clearly, and that eco-labels may be an effective tool in that effort.

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Children's Perceptions of Healthful Eating and Physical Activity

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/71.1.2010.19 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 71 (1) ◽

pp. 19-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Jennifer Lisa Penner Protudjer ◽

Gail Marchessault ◽

Anita Luba Kozyrskyj ◽

Allan Barry Becker

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Food Choices ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

High Fat ◽

Children's Perceptions ◽

Children’S Perceptions ◽

Dietary Behaviours ◽

Interview Guide ◽

Purposeful Selection ◽

Common Barriers

Purpose: Healthful lifestyle habits established in childhood may continue through adulthood. Such habits may also be effective in preventing or reversing overweight and obesity. However, little is known about children's perceptions of healthful eating and physical activity. Thus, we sought a better understanding of how children perceive healthful eating and physical activity. Methods: A purposeful selection was made of Winnipeg, Manitoba, boys (n=23) and girls (n=22) aged 11 to 12 years. The children were interviewed using a semi-structured, indepth interview guide. Data were analyzed using thematic coding. Results: Although healthful eating was seen as necessary for health, high-fat, high-sugar foods were a source of pleasure and enjoyed during social times. Physical activity was a way of spending time with friends, either through active play or watching sports. Boys viewed screen time and homework as barriers to physical activity, while girls identified no common barriers. Children viewed physical activity as easier than healthful eating, describing the former as “play” and “fun.” Conclusions: Knowing how children think about food choices will further our understanding of the disconnect between nutrition knowledge and dietary behaviours. Understanding conflicting pressures that influence children's healthful lifestyles may enhance communication about these topics among parents, educators, and children.

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Young children’s perceptions of environmental sustainability: a Maltese perspective

Environmental Education Research ◽

10.1080/13504622.2017.1383361 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 924-924

Author(s):

Jane Spiteri

Keyword(s):

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Children's Perceptions ◽

Children’S Perceptions

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Frogs in the Drain — Children’s Perceptions of the Tropical Landscape

eTropic electronic journal of studies in the tropics ◽

10.25120/etropic.9.0.2010.3426 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Reesa Sorin ◽

Iain James Gordon

Keyword(s):

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Children's Perceptions ◽

Far North ◽

Children’S Perceptions ◽

The Arts ◽

Rural Settings ◽

And Function ◽

Tropical Landscape

Children’s perceptions of their environment carry with them into adulthood, determining their capacity to learn about and interact with their world. It is, therefore, important for children to have an informed knowledge of the role, value and function of the environment. The Arts and storytelling are ideal tools with which to glean understanding of children’s knowledge of the environment and teach environmental sustainability.<br />Children in urban and rural settings in far north Queensland were asked to draw pictures and tell stories about the environment in which they live. This paper examines, both quantitatively and qualitatively, their creative representations of the tropical landscape.

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