Skipping breakfast linked to poorer academic performance in children

A recent study published in Public Health Nutrition has uncovered a clear link between skipping breakfast and poorer academic performance among school children. Researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia analysed the breakfast habits of 28,651 South Australian children aged 8-16 and compared them to the students’ performance in NAPLAN, Australia’s national literacy and numeracy tests undertaken by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Led by Senior Research Officer Dr Alanna Sincovich from The Kids’ Adelaide office, the study found 57.6 per cent of the students reported skipping breakfast sometimes (one to six days a week), while 10.1 per cent admitted they skipped breakfast every day.

“Overall, our findings show that the kids who skip breakfast — whether it’s sometimes or every day — are at increased risk for being at or below the national minimum standards for NAPLAN,” explained Dr Sincovich.

She added, “We saw this increased risk of low achievement scores across all five NAPLAN tests. Results were worst for those students who reported never eating breakfast, but those who sometimes skipped breakfast were also at increased risk of low achievement compared to students who reported eating breakfast every day.”

Bigger study, stronger evidence

While international research has previously hinted at the connection between breakfast and academic performance, much of it has relied on smaller sample sizes or school-reported grades. This study took a more robust approach, using a large sample and standardised testing to provide clearer evidence.

Associate Professor Tess Gregory, co-author of the study explained, “We set out to use strong methodology to counter these limitations, using a large sample size, a standardised measure of achievement for all students, and controlling for factors that may confound the relationship between breakfast consumption and academic achievement such as age, gender and socio-economic status.

“We all know that if we’re hungry, it’s harder to concentrate. We now have clear evidence of the link between skipping breakfast and poorer academic outcomes in Australian school children.”

Why are children skipping breakfast?

The study didn’t specifically examine why children were missing breakfast, but researchers acknowledged several possible factors. Some families may struggle with food insecurity, while others might battle morning time pressures or children’s dislike of typical breakfast foods. In some cases, adolescents may be skipping meals intentionally for reasons linked to body image.

As Australian students prepare for this year’s NAPLAN tests on 12 March, Dr Amelia Harray, a nutritionist at The Kids, said there are simple ways parents can encourage children to eat breakfast, if they have the means to provide it.

“Involving children in decisions about what they would like to eat for breakfast, such as choosing what goes in a smoothie or a specific type of cereal, can give them a sense of buy-in, which supports consumption,” said Dr Harray.

Dr Harray added that breakfast does not have to include only typical ‘breakfast foods’ such as toast or cereal; other nutritious options, such as dinner leftovers, can also be effective. For parents of reluctant eaters, she recommends packing a hearty morning snack to help children refuel later in the day.

Supporting breakfast for all

The research also strengthens the case for School Breakfast Programmes, which provide free morning meals to children in need. The Kids Research Institute Australia has stated that it is committed to working with governments on the implementation of these programmes to ensure children and families who need the programme, are able to access it.