The Dominant Role of Peers

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 149 views

Factors that Influence the Habit of Snacks in Children of Elementary School 153001 District of Kolang, Central Tapanuli Regency in 2016

Introduction

The habit of snacking among children in elementary schools plays a significant role in providing energy and nutritional intake, as well as maintaining learning resilience. However, the factors that influence this habit are not yet fully understood. This study aims to determine the factors that influence the habit of student snacks in the 153001 State Elementary School, Kolang District, Central Tapanuli Regency, in 2016.

Background

Snack foods have become an essential part of a child's diet, providing energy and nutrients to support their growth and development. However, the quality of snacks consumed by children can have a significant impact on their health and academic performance. In Indonesia, the prevalence of unhealthy snacking habits among children is a growing concern, with many children consuming high-calorie, high-sugar snacks that are detrimental to their health.

Methodology

This study used an analytical descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. The research population consisted of 257 students from the 153001 State Elementary School, with samples taken as many as 119 respondents using the purposive sampling method. Data analysis was carried out by multiple logistics regression test.

Results

The results of this study showed that the attitudes and influences of peers play a significant role in the habit of student snacks. Meanwhile, other variables such as the amount of pocket money, the availability of snacks, and the habit of carrying provisions do not show a significant effect.

The Dominant Role of Peers

Peers are proven to be the most dominant factor in influencing snack habits. With an Exp B value of 2,989, this study shows that students who are affected by peers have three times greater opportunities to have a bad snack habit compared to students who are not affected by their peers. This indicates that social interaction among students is very influential on their food choices in the school environment.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that the school environment plays a significant role in shaping the snacking habits of children. The influence of peers is a powerful factor in determining the types of snacks consumed by children, with many students choosing to eat snacks that are popular among their peers. This highlights the importance of nutritional education in schools, with a focus on promoting healthy snacking habits and reducing the influence of unhealthy peer pressure.

The Role of Nutritional Education

The school is expected to improve nutritional education for students through routine activities carried out by Kolang District Health Workers. This activity can be in the form of counseling regarding healthy snack food choices for children, the benefits of carrying provisions from home, as well as understanding of snacks that are not guaranteed safety. In this way, students are expected to be wiser in choosing snacks that are not only delicious but also nutritious, so they can support their learning activities optimally.

Conclusion

Through understanding and application of factors that affect the habit of snacks, schools can create a healthier environment for students. The right education regarding food intake and social influence from peers is the first step to form good eating habits, which will be useful not only for the physical health of students but also for their academic performance. Therefore, collaboration between schools, parents, and the community is very important to increase awareness of the importance of balanced nutrition in the daily lives of children.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Schools should prioritize nutritional education for students, with a focus on promoting healthy snacking habits and reducing the influence of unhealthy peer pressure.
Parents and caregivers should be involved in promoting healthy snacking habits among children, through education and support.
The community should be aware of the importance of balanced nutrition in the daily lives of children, and should support schools in promoting healthy snacking habits.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study only focused on one school, which may not be representative of other schools in the region.
The study did not collect data on the long-term effects of snacking habits on children's health and academic performance.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the long-term effects of snacking habits on children's health and academic performance.
Examine the role of parents and caregivers in promoting healthy snacking habits among children.
Develop and evaluate interventions to promote healthy snacking habits among children.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendices

[Appendices containing additional data and information]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Factors that Influence the Habit of Snacks in Children of Elementary School 153001 District of Kolang, Central Tapanuli Regency in 2016

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to determine the factors that influence the habit of student snacks in the 153001 State Elementary School, Kolang District, Central Tapanuli Regency, in 2016.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides insights into the factors that influence the habit of snacking among children in elementary schools. Understanding these factors can help schools and parents develop effective strategies to promote healthy snacking habits among children.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study are:

The attitudes and influences of peers play a significant role in the habit of student snacks.
The amount of pocket money, the availability of snacks, and the habit of carrying provisions do not show a significant effect on the habit of student snacks.
Peers are proven to be the most dominant factor in influencing snack habits.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are:

Schools should prioritize nutritional education for students, with a focus on promoting healthy snacking habits and reducing the influence of unhealthy peer pressure.
Parents and caregivers should be involved in promoting healthy snacking habits among children, through education and support.
The community should be aware of the importance of balanced nutrition in the daily lives of children, and should support schools in promoting healthy snacking habits.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study only focused on one school, which may not be representative of other schools in the region.
The study did not collect data on the long-term effects of snacking habits on children's health and academic performance.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to:

Investigate the long-term effects of snacking habits on children's health and academic performance.
Examine the role of parents and caregivers in promoting healthy snacking habits among children.
Develop and evaluate interventions to promote healthy snacking habits among children.

Q: What are the recommendations for schools, parents, and caregivers?

A: The recommendations for schools, parents, and caregivers are:

Schools should prioritize nutritional education for students, with a focus on promoting healthy snacking habits and reducing the influence of unhealthy peer pressure.
Parents and caregivers should be involved in promoting healthy snacking habits among children, through education and support.
The community should be aware of the importance of balanced nutrition in the daily lives of children, and should support schools in promoting healthy snacking habits.

Q: What are the implications for policy and practice?

A: The implications for policy and practice are:

Schools should develop policies and programs to promote healthy snacking habits among children.
Parents and caregivers should be involved in promoting healthy snacking habits among children, through education and support.
The community should be aware of the importance of balanced nutrition in the daily lives of children, and should support schools in promoting healthy snacking habits.

Q: What are the future directions for research and practice?

A: The future directions for research and practice are:

Investigate the long-term effects of snacking habits on children's health and academic performance.
Examine the role of parents and caregivers in promoting healthy snacking habits among children.
Develop and evaluate interventions to promote healthy snacking habits among children.

Q: What are the key takeaways from this study?

A: The key takeaways from this study are:

The attitudes and influences of peers play a significant role in the habit of student snacks.
Schools should prioritize nutritional education for students, with a focus on promoting healthy snacking habits and reducing the influence of unhealthy peer pressure.
Parents and caregivers should be involved in promoting healthy snacking habits among children, through education and support.