Blatant Bias Continues
The BBC article titled "Ten things to know about veganism in childhood" masquerades as balanced reporting but is riddled with fearmongering, selective framing, and tired old myths dressed up as "concerns." Let's tear this apart.
1️⃣ Fear sells — and the BBC knows it
The article immediately frames veganism in children as risky and "controversial," hinting at horror stories of "malnutrition" and "deficiencies." But they admit — buried in the text — that major dietetic organisations in the UK and US confirm a well-planned plantbased diets are safe for all life stages, including childhood.
If that’s the scientific consensus, why is it framed as a dangerous gamble? Because sensationalism sells.
2️⃣ Cherry-picked scare stories
They highlight rare, tragic cases of malnourished children — which are parental neglect cases, not ideological failures. You can raise an unhealthy child on any diet. When non-vegan children are harmed by neglect, we blame the parents. When it’s vegan parents, we blame the entire movement.
3️⃣ Selective emphasis on deficiencies
Vitamin B12? We supplement because it’s produced by bacteria — not animals. Animal products only contain it because animals are supplemented or exposed to bacteria themselves. Omega-3? We can get EPA and DHA directly from algae — where fish get it from in the first place. Calcium? Ever heard of leafy greens, fortified foods, or tofu?
The article repeats these “nutrients of concern” as if they’re impossible hurdles. But it’s not about whether they exist — it’s about planning. Just like non-vegans need to plan to avoid excess cholesterol and saturated fat.
4️⃣ Misleading height and bone density comments
The article gleefully points out vegan children being "slightly shorter" and having "lower bone density," implying they’re fragile. But the study cited admits these children are still within normal ranges and healthy. Being slightly smaller isn’t a health crisis — it might even be protective against diseases linked to excessive growth factor exposure (like certain cancers).
5️⃣ The hidden benefits conveniently glossed over
Vegan children have lower rates of obesity, lower cholesterol, and lower inflammation. In other words: they’re at a lower risk of chronic diseases that plague Western societies. But instead of celebrating this, the BBC buries it behind a wall of "watch out!" disclaimers.
6️⃣ Global biases ignored
They point out that some European countries warn against plantbased diets for kids. But these are the same countries with soaring rates of diet-related diseases and deeply entrenched meat and dairy lobbies. When the UK and US dietetic bodies — who are not known for being radical — state plantbased diets are safe for children, that’s the actual headline.
7️⃣ The framing: veganism as extreme
By constantly repeating words like “careful,” “risky,” and “dangerous,” the article subtly pushes the idea that veganism is unnatural or burdensome. Yet we don’t get this language for carnist habits, even as they contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and environmental collapse.
Meanwhile, the elephant in the room
Animal-based diets aren’t framed as dangerous even though they’re directly linked to major health crises. The BBC’s approach perpetuates the idea that using animals is default and safe — and anything else is risky.
This isn’t journalism. It’s agenda-driven narrative control. The science is clear: a well-planned plantbased diet is not just safe but offers profound health advantages.
If you care about children’s health, you advocate for informed, balanced nutrition — not propping up the meat and dairy industries with fear.