As parents, many of us have no doubt sent our children into class with a tin of sweets or buns on their birthday. It’s a nice way for the kids to mark the occasion and celebrate with their classmates.
 
However, while it’s a nice little treat, we are all aware of the threat of sugar in our kids’ diets and the ever-growing obesity epidemic.
 
A UK principal wanted to do something to help tackle this sugar problem and six years ago she banned birthday sweets in class.   

‘Demon headmistress’ sparks debate over birthday sweet ban among parents - Daily Mail - https://t.co/QHPWGlmW1D -

A headmistress who appeared on This Morning has come under fire from parents for banning birthday sweets in a primary school.Chasey Crawford-Usher, who works ... pic.twitter.com/u9ophMjq4X

— Jayna (@Jaynarkliner) March 12, 2019

Talking to This Morning hosts Philip Schofield and Rylan Clarke, Chasey Crawford-Usher, the principal of Wateringbury Primary School Kent, said that apart from the sheer volume of sugar that the kids were consuming, parents felt like they were under pressure to provide sweets, and she wanted to change things.
 
"I want children to leave my school at 11 having thought about good choices. If we don't put those questions in front of the children - what they're putting in their bodies, how much sugar they're eating, how healthy are their teeth, what's their fitness level like if I don't make them think about those things in my school, and if parents don't support me and make them think about these things outside of school, what's the purpose?"
 
However, not everyone is in agreement with Chasey, and many took to Twitter to say that she is just being mean.
 
“I think that headteacher Chasey Crawford-Usher is wrong and is being mean. Sweets on your birthday is a great thing when you're in school and thankfully in this day-and-age, you can pick up so many sugarless sweeties - banning them is cruel,” tweeted one. 

Oh for gods sake it’s tradition to take sweets in when it’s your birthday, get a grip  #ThisMorning

— Zoë Hanson  (@brummie1984) March 12, 2019

#ThisMorning @ThisMorning

I think that headteacher Chasey Crawford-Usher is wrong and is being mean. Sweets on your birthday is a great thing when you're in school and thankfully in this day-and-age, you can pick up so many sugarless sweeties - banning them is cruel.

—  AlishaValerie. (@AlishaValerie) March 12, 2019

Ban birthday sweets yeah kids can't have anymore fun these days. Grumpy old bat #ThisMorning

— Danielle Johnson (@DanielleJavaid) March 12, 2019

Another said: “Can't give sweets out on a child's birthday. What is she on? #ThisMorning”
 
Many people actually do agree with the ban, applauding the principal for trying to change kids’ mindset. 

I would prefer my children NOT to have birthday sweets at school - I don’t think it’s cruel!!! #ThisMorning

— Marie Lou (@mlavg) March 12, 2019

The head teacher is right - let’s get our children’s thoughts away from sugar and change the mindset that’s there’s better treats than sweets #ThisMorning 

#ThisMorning I grew up in a family where money was tight. It put a lot of pressure on my family and other families to get a cake and sweets for a class of 32. I just dont think its necessary.

—  Herstorical Crowns  (@kelsie_lexi) March 12, 2019

What do you think? Should birthday sweets be banned from schools or are they just a little bit of fun?