Children and Ramadan: Fasting yes, health comes first!

Children and Ramadan: Fasting yes, health comes first!

In Steyr, 260 students attend the middle school and the Münichholz Polytechnic School, with over half having a migrant background. Many of these children are currently fasting as part of Ramadan. The school has actively communicated with parents and emphasized that any health concerns will be prioritized. Director Günther Briedl said: "I admire it when someone takes on the challenge of fasting. But school operations must not suffer as a result." Despite the challenge of fasting, no serious health problems have been noticed, although some children are somewhat weakened, which is also due to the rising temperatures. In addition, there are around 12,000 Muslim schoolchildren in Upper Austria, although fasting is usually only recommended when they reach mental and physical maturity, according to Senad Podojak from the Islamic Religious Community.

A pressure from society and digital media

According to current reports from weekend.at, more and more children are fasting, even though they are not required to do so until puberty. Religious maturity in Islam is between 12 and 14 years. However, many children exert pressure themselves or experience expectations from their parents or through social media. The health risks such as dehydration, circulatory problems and hypoglycemia should not be underestimated. Carla Amina Baghajati, head of the IGGÖ school district, emphasizes the need for parents to give their children a snack and allow them to eat or drink as needed. The IGGÖ has also published an orientation guide intended to sensitize parents and teachers to the challenges and opportunities of fasting in a school context.

This discussion will continue through the Sugar Festival on March 30 as parents and teachers focus on the importance of dialogue to promote understanding of the health aspects of fasting in school. Schools face the challenge of keeping this dialogue open while respecting students' needs without pressuring them, as recent reports note.