Melinda Hutchings: Body Image and Primary School Children

Session description:

• The incidence of eating disorders is increasing amongst primary school aged children
• Two thirds of girls in year one believe that being thin would make them more popular
• Research reviews show that up to half of primary school girls and about a third of boys say they are dieting to lose weight, and almost half of boys are trying to gain muscle.
• 25 per cent of Australian children are either overweight or obese
• Obese children are 63% more likely to be bullied, irrespective of sex, socioeconomic status, race, and type of school they attend.

From an early age children are susceptible to the messages they receive and begin to emulate the adults in their world. Increasing the awareness of how to engage them proactively and promote positive body image means healthy, happy children and a reduction in the alarming incidence of disordered eating.

Topics:

What is body image? Distorted body image and how this negatively affects self esteem, which can lead to an eating disorder The different types of eating disorders; anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS, binge eating disorder, bigorexia The early warning signs of an eating disorder – and the warning signs before the warning signs Media influence and how to engage the children in your care with positive messages The importance of role models and how, with your help, they can make a positive impact How to promote confidence and stability in the children in your care What to do and say if you suspect an eating issue How/where to find support