Addressing Body Image Issues with Children

When prompted to think about body dysphoria or feelings of body-related inadequacy, most adults will conjure images of teen girls. This group tends to be vocal about their desire to adopt beauty standards. It may surprise you that children as young as three begin to form biases and opinions about body size. In honor of #NationalEatingDisordersAwarenessWeek, we’d like to offer some concrete educational approaches to support teachers in confronting body image issues.?

Understanding the Scope of the Problem?

Eating disorders are increasingly common among children and teens and can have devastating effects that start during youth and last a lifetime. Teenage girls are the most likely to experience an eating disorder- in fact, eating disorders are the third most prevalent type of chronic illness in teen girls. Although they are ubiquitous, eating disorders deserve serious attention as they can cause tremendous physical harm, including lasting illness and, in some cases, death. Virtually every organ system in the body is harmed by eating disorders.?

What It Means to Cultivate a Body Image

Body image is something that is learned and socially conditioned. In some ways, it is not so surprising that even three-year-olds begin to form biases around larger body shapes because let’s face it, adults have the same biases. Body image is integral to a child’s sense of self-worth and how they see themselves finding their place in the world. No parent or educator wants to create an environment where, by age seven, a child feels the need to “go on a diet.” However, recent?research?suggests that a significant number of children begin exhibiting diet-like behaviors at an early age. When this behavior is normalized at an early age, it forms a slippery slope that can lead to disordered eating.?

How To Be a Body-Positive Advocate

A body-positive approach believes that all people of all shapes and sizes deserve to have a positive relationship with their bodies, whether or not they resemble the bodies that are glorified in culture and society. Body positivity promotes acceptance, builds confidence, and dismantles the illusion that thinness equals beauty and health.??

Teachers who work with young children can help support a healthy, foundational attitude toward bodies and celebrate the many things that make each child interesting and unique. Here are a few tips:

• Be mindful of how frequently you call attention to children’s appearances in general. If you compliment a child’s hair or dress, they will likely catch on quickly that their physical appearance can unlock positive attention. Instead, focus on the things they say and do.?
• Focus on health rather than discussing weight. Keep children informed about healthy snacks, meals, and activities. Encourage children to follow their passion when they express interest in a sport, nourishing food, or other healthy activity.
• Model your neutrality or positivity toward your own body. Avoid making comments or revealing biases of your own relating to weight or self-dissatisfaction. Instead, tell children about how stretching or eating a healthy snack makes you feel good and gives you energy.?
• Communicate with parents about the dangers of body image issues. Discourage parents from discussing diets or weight loss in front of their children.?

What To Do if Body Image Issues Escalate

If a child obsesses over body image issues or develops an eating disorder, don’t despair – eating disorders are treatable, and treatment is most effective when it starts early. While treatment cannot always undo damage to a body’s tissues and organs, it can rebuild a young person’s sense of what is and is not healthy, both physically and mentally. Educators can play a role in the healing process by communicating their concerns with a child’s parents and recommending that they seek medical attention immediately. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of an eating disorder, doctors may recommend therapeutic options with counselors, psychiatrists, or support groups.