What is the focus of many school based programs that aim to educate students about body image?

How children and young people think and feel about their body and the way they look can affect their mental health in both a positive and negative way.

If children and young people feel that they do not match up to certain standards, or that they are not ‘good enough’ in some ways, it can affect them negatively.

This page focuses on body image as it relates to children’s body size or shape, height, skin colour, appearance, facial features, physical disabilities or differences.

Research has shown that for young children, attitudes about body shape and size may start as early as three or four years old.

This trend continues into adolescence, with one Mental Health Foundation survey finding that among young people aged 13–19, 35% said their body image causes them to ‘often’ or ‘always’ worry.

Body image issues affect both boys and girls. The same Mental Health Foundation survey found that 46% of girls said their body image caused them to worry, compared to 25% of boys.

There are many factors which may influence body image in children and young people, including the media and social media, their parents, and their peers.

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Young people’s concerns about body image can have an enormous impact on their lives. It’s clear from the increasing numbers of young people who are conducting online searches or reaching out for help that body confidence can be particularly tough to acquire. Now, more than ever, we need to focus on prevention efforts to help students develop a healthy body image.

Steps to support a healthy body image in young people

Education about body image, disordered eating and eating disorders is an important part of a school’s wellbeing program. As an educator with a significant role in the lives of your students, you are in a unique position to drive prevention efforts. While we know that helping young people to have a healthy relationship with their body can be challenging, there are some simple things you can focus on that can make a difference.

1. Be a positive role model.

Demonstrate what a positive body image looks and sounds like. Choose to speak kindly about your own and other people’s bodies; try not to engage in appearance-related talk; and do things that make you feel good in your body. This can have a really positive impact not only on your students, but also on others around you.

2. Implement and integrate body-image focused programs that are evidence-based.

Research shows that programs which target risk and protective factors for negative body image can help prevent eating disorders from developing. When selecting resources, look for ones that develop media literacy skills, challenge pressures to conform to appearance ideals, reduce body comparisons and appearance-related talk, build resilience, and develop personal identity and self-esteem.

3. Foster a positive body image and an inclusive environment for all.

Extend your efforts beyond what is covered in the curriculum to include broader factors that help create an environment in which students and staff celebrate diversity and show respect for different body shapes and sizes. You might want to look at your policy around appearance-related bullying, the opportunities presented for non-competitive physical activity, and whether the school uniform is inclusive of all shapes and sizes.

4. Avoid scare tactics.

Take a ‘do no harm’ approach and avoid discussions around harmful behaviours, weight/shape/size or specific eating styles. Instead, focus on reducing stigma, understanding influences, accessing available support and encouraging help-seeking.

5. Have students lead discussions and activities.

Create a safe and positive environment, and allow young people to take ownership of the issue for themselves and their peers.

Body Kind Schools

One practical step you can take is to get on board with Body Kind Schools, Australia’s largest body-positive movement for young people. This free initiative for anyone working with young people is a fantastic way to channel empowering evidence-informed, body-positive messaging to everyone in your school.

Body Kind Schools officially runs during the week 6–12 September, but you can get involved at any time in September, or beyond – whatever works for you.

Registered schools have access to resources for primary- and secondary-age children, including educator or peer-led workshop and classroom activities, digital clips, posters, a live webinar to support educators, and guidelines for running the Body Kind Fundraiser: Be Body Kind Today. The beauty of Body Kind Schools is that it is totally flexible. You choose what to do, and when! Parents can also check out the partner program too, Body Kind Families.

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