Junk food should be banned in schools primarily because it poses serious health risks to students. Junk food is typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, which contribute to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and nutritional deficiencies. Regular consumption of these foods can impair growth and cognitive development, weaken bones, and negatively affect mental health by increasing risks of mood swings and depression. Additionally, banning junk food in schools supports healthier eating habits, which improve academic performance by enhancing concentration and energy levels. Schools can also promote lifelong healthy habits by offering nutritious alternatives. Beyond individual health, junk food consumption and its packaging also harm the environment, making the ban beneficial on a larger scale as well.
Some studies suggest that outright bans must consider financial implications for schools, as some rely on revenue from junk food sales, but the overall benefits for children's health and wellbeing support banning it within schools.
