Diet has often been associated with behavioral problems. However, this study includes data from ages 5, 10 and 34 and finds that there is a correlation between candy consumed when young and violent behavior as an adult.
Sugar and Violence
Can eating candy daily at the age of 10 really create violent behavior at the age of 34? Apparently, research says yes. The findings showed that children who ate candy daily at 10 years of age were significantly more likely to have been convicted of a violent act at age 34. This link was strongly established when controlling for ecological and individual factors.
69% of prisoners ate a lot of candy at the age of 10. Now, one must ask the question, “Is it the sugar in the candy or is it a lack of a parent’s ability to say no?” If children are not put on a schedule with discipline and routine, do they become self-indulgent and violent later as adults? Children need structure and limitations. Those that are allowed to go to bed when they choose, get up when they choose, and eat what they choose, are more likely to have problems when adults.
British Study Shows a Correlation Between Candy and Violence
“British experts studied more than 17,000 children born in 1970 for about four decades. Of the children who ate candies or chocolates daily at age 10, 69 percent were later arrested for a violent offense by the age of 34. Of those who didn’t have any violent clashes, 42 percent ate sweets daily.”[1] This study was published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. “It’s not that the sweets themselves are bad, it’s more about interpreting how kids make decisions,” says Simon Moore of the University of Cardiff. [1]
Do parents bribe children with candy as a reward for good behavior? Does this instant gratification have anything to do with violence later in life? Psychologists do seem to think that children that are indulged in early years are more prone to lash out in anger when adults. “Childhood confectionery consumption may nurture a taste that is maintained into adulthood, exposing adults to the effects of additives often found in sweetened food, the consumption of which may also contribute toward adult aggression.” [2]
Studies have shown a direct correlation between nutrition and behavior. Studies have also shown that children need limitations and structure. When behaviors are not structured in the home, children do not learn to limit instant gratification. Could the giving of candy when children demand it at age 10 damage their ability to make good choices later in adult life? Apparently, this just may be true.
[1] Associated Press. “Candy-gobbling kids may turn violent as adults,” MSNBC.msn.com, 10/1/2009.
[2] Chan, Bryan. “Obviously giving kids sweets leads to a life of crime,” Los Angeles Times, October 3, 2009.
Barbara Pytel - Email me Experience Although I was never particularly fond of going to school as an ELL student, I ironically became a teacher, ...
