The Hungry Brain

Many secondary school students go to school without breakfast. They woke up just enough time to rush for buses which started to pick them at 6.30am. Upon arriving the school, they are just on time to start lessons. Some school started as early as 7.15am. The students were so used to this situation and had form a habit of not taking breakfast. When asked during my survey," I am not used to eating in the morning, I couldn't eat. " But the phenomena shown that most students without breakfast became worn out easily in the class. They are tired and sleepy. They couldn't pay attention to the teacher's teaching. At 10.00am, they are already craving to go out. Some would just walk out and loitering around the school, creating disciplinary problems. Though boredom may due to many factors but we couldn't deny that one of it may due to hunger. At the long run, the brain without nutrient may run out of energy, which directly affect their concentrations. Our Malaysian students are less lucky to enjoy good canteens whereby food are varieties and surplus. Most food sold to students are monotonous and less nutritious. I had seen a school canteen selling only 'nasi lemak' for the last six years. Some students dislike spicy food would even skip eating during recess unless their parents prepare lunch box for them. The worst time comes around 1.00pm to 2.00pm for those starving lots, they would be out of control because they wanted to go home as quickly as possible. That why they sneak out from classes or sneak out from school. The school at all ages trying to tackle discipline problems but if we fail to seek the cause, we are going to fail.