Body Image in Primary School Children

Over the last 10 years research in Ireland has consistently identified body image as a key source of concern for young people. This is concerning on many levels as body image is a key construct which affects how we feel about ourselves in general. Unfortunately body image concerns are starting at an earlier age and worryingly eating disorders are on the increase in preteen children.

The ‘Happy To Be Me’ Programme

• The ‘Happy To Be Me’ Resource was developed to provide teachers with fun, easy to use materials to promote positive body image and self-esteem in primary school children. Traditionally, programmes aimed at improving body image have focused on adolescents. However, as body image concerns can develop while children are still in primary school it is important that we begin to promote positive body image and self esteem in children at an earlier age. Young children’s body image begins to develop early alongside the growth of their physical, cognitive and social abilities. Even infants have a general sense of their bodies. The ‘Happy to Be Me’ programme includes age appropriate lessons to promote positive body image from junior Infants all the way through to sixth class. To sign up to access the ‘Happy To Be Me’ Programme please click here

You will find additional information on the ‘Happy To Be Me’ Programme here.. To discuss the ‘Happy To Be Me’ Programme or any aspects of promoting positive body image in primary school children, please contact youthdevelopment@bodywhys.ie

Research on social media use in children

Research by Cybersafe Kids (2017) found that 16% of children aged 8-12 were spending more than four hours online daily. Screen time and social media use in preteen children has risen year on year. Cybersafe kids (2022) found that despite age restrictions of 13 and older on many social media sites, the vast majority of the 4,408 children involved, aged 8-13, already had a significant online presence and that 87% of 8-12 year olds already had a social media profile and/or instant messaging account. Given these figures, the body image pressures identified by teenagers in relation to social media use, such as increased exposure to media ideals, perception of ‘the perfect life’ perpetuated by social media and the impact of comments and ‘likes’ to body image and self-esteem, are likely to be affecting younger children in the same way. Increased time spent online may also preclude the development of other interests which could foster a strong sense of self and greater self-esteem and serve as preventative factors for mental health. You will find additional details on social media use in children here