One of the jobs we expect our public schools to perform is to set a good example for students. Often, that example will be different from the messages they receive through advertising or even at home, but it’s the schools’ job to teach children what’s “good for them.”

Taken in that context, a policy under consideration by the Lawrence school board to ban junk food from local schools makes sense. The policy would place limits on access to vending machines as well as the treats served at school parties and award ceremonies. The intent is to set a good example by combating childhood obesity and improving student performance, both laudable goals.

School Supt. Randy Weseman predicted – probably accurately – that there would be significant backlash to the policy, not only from students, but from parents who often provide the treats. After all, what’s wrong with eating an occasional cupcake or cookie at a celebratory event?

Well, nothing. But it’s also valid to send students the message that eating high-calorie, sugar-laden treats isn’t the only way to celebrate something. It’s a lesson that will serve them well if they can carry it into adulthood.

Emotional eating – consumption triggered by events of feelings rather than hunger – is a huge part of the nation’s weight problem. According to state and national studies, the number of overweight children between the ages of 7 and 11 has doubled in the last 20 years; the number from 12 to 19 has tripled in the same period. Isn’t that sufficient evidence that many of our young people are getting the wrong messages about food?

Teaching good health habits already is a part of the school curriculum. It’s impossible to know whether students will practice those lessons when they go home or as they grow to adulthood, but at least they have been exposed to the information. Teaching children they will be more healthy if they avoid sugary soda pop or treats isn’t that much different than teaching them to wash their hands before eating. They may not do either at home, but at least someone has told them it’s important.

It also makes little sense to teach lessons about healthy eating in the classroom and then contradict those lessons by lining the commons areas with snack and drink vending machines or offering cookies or candy as a reward.

Under the proposed policy, no more than half of a school’s fundraisers can be “food-related,” a move that may be welcomed by those who want to support students but don’t need that candy they’re selling.

In fact, many, many American adults would be much better off if they had a healthier attitude toward food. There’s nothing wrong with occasional treats, but the number of overweight Americans seems to indicate that those “occasions” may occur a bit too frequently.

Will children who can’t eat sweets or drink pop at school completely eliminate such things from their diets? Probably not, but at least they’ll get the message that healthier options exist.