Schools are one of the most influential environments in young peoples’ lives,and on their wellbeing. They provide a structured setting where students are learning about mental health and interacting with peers and friends, who impact each other’s self esteem, body image and mental health more and more throughout adolescence.
Body image is a big issue for young people. According to the Global Health and Wellbeing Survey, 75% of 16-25 year olds are experiencing body image distress. Young people who are dissatisfied with their bodies are 24 times more likely to develop depression, and body image is also one of the strongest predictors of eating disorder development, which is associated with self harm and suicide. In contrast, people who appreciate their bodies are more likely to look after them—to engage in physical activity, eat fruit and vegetables and use alcohol and other drugs less.
Many schools have identified body image as a critical issue for their students, and are taking proactive steps to improve body image as part of their health classes and wellbeing strategy. So, what can you do at your school? Let’s take a whole-child and whole-school approach.
In the classroom
Body image generally comes up in health class, with CDC Health Standards and many state health standards. There is one problem though—the majority of textbooks for health class in the US teach about body image and eating disorders in ways that are not recommended by experts.
This is a topic that needs to be done right, so here’s what our experts recommend:
Grade 5-8: The Embrace Kids School Curriculum
The Embrace Kids School Curriculum is a new resource for teachers of Grade 5-8 students to deliver in health class. This evidence-based, modular resource includes four lessons that begin with a short 10-15 minute video to engage young people, followed by evidence-based activities. The program pack contains all the videos, slides and worksheets teachers need to deliver these lessons with confidence, without the need for additional training. Developed by international body image expert, Dr Zali Yager, and 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, this Australian program brings together the best of science and creativity for impact. You can purchase this curriculum for $79, which includes three years of access. Share it with your colleagues and use it to benefit as many students at your school as you’d like. You can access an overview of the program to send on to your Department Head and School District representatives here.
There’s also the Dove Confident Me Program from the Dove Self Esteem Fund, and the Be Body Positive Middle School Curriculum.
Grade 9-10: BE REAL’s BodyKind
BE REAL’s BodyKind is a four-lesson curriculum for high school teachers to deliver to students in health class. BE REAL provides training for teachers on this topic, as well as all of the slides, worksheets and lesson plans needed.
Both of these programs have been designed by experts and clinicians with input from teachers and young people, and both have scientific studies supporting their safety and efficacy in schools.
Seniors: The Body Project
The Body Project is a 4-session program developed by Stanford Professor Eric Stice that has been rigorously tested over the past 20 years. This program can be delivered virtually to students who are already demonstrating signs of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours.
But it’s not just about what we add into the classroom…
When we talk to educators about creating school environments that can help build better body image, many focus on what they need to add in, i.e. the classroom curriculum described above. However, what we take out is just as important.
There are many traditional food and nutrition education activities that have been used in the past that are well-intended, but can actually lead to feelings of shame for many young people, and–for those who are vulnerable–could trigger or exacerbate disordered eating behaviours. Things like weighing students, calculating BMI, recording food diaries and calculating calories are all extremely problematic for young people who are susceptible to eating disorders. It is really important that educators and schools review what is taught about bodies, food and weight, across all key learning areas, and ensure that there are no activities that could be problematic in terms of body image or relationships with food. More details on what activities to avoid(and why) can be found in the Embrace Kids School Curriculum Teacher Guidebook.
In the schoolyard
We can help students feel great about themselves in the classroom, but if they are teased, bullied or body shamed in the hallways, cafeteria or schoolyard, all of those good feelings can quickly dissipate. It is important that schools put measures in place to stop teasing and body shaming, and remind students to have empathy and respect for others at all times. Even things that are said in ‘joking’ or ‘fun’ ways that refer to people’s appearance can be hurtful.
The next time you have a look at your school bullying policy and procedures, make sure that appearance-related bullying is specified. Implementing school-wide anti-bullying programs, introducing bully bystander initiatives and enforcing policies through swift consequences are all crucial for supporting students’ mental health.
Identifying students who might benefit from additional support
Teachers and school staff often observe students on a daily basis, putting them in a prime position to notice early signs of body image concerns and eating disorders. If you notice that students are more withdrawn than usual, seem tired, lethargic and low on energy, or are making excuses around food, it might be a good idea to have a conversation with them.
When approaching students on this topic, it’s important not to be judgemental—just be curious and open a line of conversation.
Here’s a simple formula you can use:
- Share what you have observed, for example “I’ve noticed that …”
- Share your concerns, for example “I’m feeling [emotion] about it”
- Invite more information, for example “Can you tell me more about why this is happening?”
Referring students to your school counsellor or wellbeing team can ensure they access support earlier rather than later—and stay healthy and happy for longer.
Being the champion at your school
Training teachers and school staff to use supportive language and teaching activities is crucial for fostering school cultures and environments where students can thrive.Most of the time, we tend to find that there are one or two really passionate champions in each school —and if you are reading this, that is probably you! So please spread the word across your whole school—to health teachers, school counsellors, school nurses, wellness coordinators and your school leadership team.
Educators and schools play a crucial role in supporting student wellbeing, and everything we hear indicates that you are ready and willing to help your students build better body image. We are here to support you with the tools and resources you need to do what you do best–caring for, and educating, the young people you work with! By implementing evidence-based lessons, creating cultures of kindness and identifying students who might benefit from additional support, your school can create a supportive environment that promotes positive body image and eating behaviours, in ways that enable students to achieve optimal physical and mental health and wellbeing.
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