Parental influence on adolescents’ eating behaviours: A study on the influence of family environment on the eating habits of junior secondary school students in Hong Kong

Through observation and practices in the home and in the social context, children develop their eating habits. The food environment provided by parents shape children’s preferences and food acceptance patterns. Research has shown that teachers in Hong Kong felt that it is difficult to inculcate children’s healthy eating habits at school owing to inconsistent approaches at home and school and to develop students’ healthy eating habits through the school curriculum. This study aimed to investigate parents’ and students’ perceptions on healthy eating. A questionnaire survey on food preparation practices and meal provision in the home and the parents’ attitude concerning family food culture and their children’s eating habits is reported. The situation at home is defined and problems in the home environment identified. Attempts are made to explore directions for school and parents collaborating to achieve the ultimate goal of developing lifelong healthy eating habits in young people.