These are the findings of two surveys that paint a worrying picture of children today.
The first found 29 per cent of under-threes ate a takeaway at least once a week, while 23 per cent had crisps every day and 16 per cent fizzy drinks. One in five are fed mostly takeaways or adult ready meals.
Despite this the survey, by nutrition advisers the Infant & Toddler Forum, found 83 per cent of mothers thought their child had a healthy, balanced diet.
A separate study found that teachers believe pupils’ behaviour has worsened in recent years, with children being disrespectful, insulting and even physically aggressive in class.
Disruptive behaviour is now routine, with two-thirds of teachers saying they have had to deal with a student for punching or kicking, while 25.7 per cent came across spitting, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers found.
The problems appear to be worst among younger children, with a third of primary school staff reporting violent incidents compared with a fifth of secondary school teachers.