Should Schools Send Home 'Fat Letters' To Parents?

An 11-year-old girl from Florida was sent home with a 'fat letter' last month when school first started. The mother of the girl was outraged, "Lily is athletic, tall, plays volleyball six days a week for two different teams. She's not overweight." The girl's mother told Fox 4 News.

For those who are wondering, the girl stands at 5'3 and weighs 127 lbs.

Florida law requires students to get health screenings at the start of the school year. During those health screenings, they check the child's body mass index, which is not exactly known for its accuracy.

The department admits in the letter that the test might not be accurate for "athletes." So, if there is a chance of it being wrong, why even send the letters in the first place?

Lily's mom thinks the letters are bad idea, even if the child is overweight, "This letter can do no good. If a kid is overweight, they know they're overweight."

However, the health department stands by their decision, "Every parent, (even) if a child's screening is normal, receives a letter so no child is singled out." Health Department worker Deb Milllsap said.

So, what do you think? Should schools be getting this involved in a child's life? Or have they overstepped their boundaries?

Reference: http://www.nbc-2.com/story/23631008/naples-mom-upset-over-fat-letter#.UlQvHxAue8D