Half of Cyprus’s schoolchildren are failing to meet recommended fruit and vegetable intake levels, while a significant number regularly skip breakfast on weekdays, according to a new World Health Organisation (WHO) study detailed in a national report by the Centre for Educational Research and Assessment.
The report shows a concerning trend where breakfast-skipping increases with age. Among 11-year-olds, 26% never eat breakfast on weekdays, rising to 28% for 13-year-olds and 32% for 15-year-olds.
However, weekend breakfast consumption is notably higher, with boys more likely to eat breakfast than girls.
The study also revealed that 96% of children consume sweets at least once per week, while 53% drink soft drinks weekly.
On a positive note, about 60% of children maintain daily tooth-brushing habits, with girls showing better dental hygiene practices than boys.
These findings are part of a broader WHO investigation into youth behaviours, which also examined areas including sexual health, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and mental health among adolescents.
