In France, almost a quarter of children do not eat three meals a day, warns Unicef

Many would go without food. According to a Unicef ​​report published Tuesday, the result of a consultation carried out among 20,000 French people aged 6 to 18, 22.8% of them declared eating less than three meals per day.

On the eve of World Children's Day, 11.9% of these young people surveyed explained that they eat meat, fish, an egg or a protein equivalent at most once a week. Furthermore, only 11% of respondents say they eat fruits and vegetables maximum once a week.

15-18 year olds most affected by food deprivation

More or less marked food deprivation, depending on age. According to the Unicef ​​report, it reaches 17.6% for 6-10 year olds, 22.1% for 11-14 year olds and 33.7% for 15-18 year olds. The association relies on three factors to explain this phenomenon: weaker parental control during this period, more disordered daily eating, and the desire of many adolescents to avoid being overweight. “by adopting practices that are not always appropriate”.

“It is striking to note that once again, children or adolescents from single-parent families and those living without either parent are significantly more disadvantaged in this area,” also indicates Unicef. Food deprivation affects 30.9% of these young respondents living in single-parent families, and 34.8% of those living without either parent.

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The consultation also indicates that 44.4% of young people questioned say they do not practice weekly sporting activities outside of school. Furthermore, 16.2% of these young people are in a situation of “material deprivation”. In other words, they lack shoes, clothes in good condition, or even toys. “Material deprivation affects more children and adolescents living in single-parent families (22.5%) or without any parents (38.9% compared to 13.8% for respondents living with both parents)“, the report said.