Schools Section: Part 9.
Signs of negative body image in children and young people.
Schools Section: Part 9.
Signs of negative body image in children and young people.
EARLY SIGNS OF NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE.
Research tells us that children start to notice their own and other people’s bodies from a very young age. Noticing how our body differs from others is a normal part of development and a certain amount of talking about bodies is to be expected. Pay attention however to the way students speak about their bodies.
Signs of negative body image include:
They make negative comments about their bodies
They seem unhappy in general and/or you notice changes in their personality or behaviour
They start to spend more time on their own
They make frequent comments about how other people look
They compare themselves e.g. wishing they looked like other people
They refuse treat foods or mention calories or fat content of foods
They get upset when changing for P.E. or may opt out of activities like swimming
They talk about dieting
They start exercising obsessively or focus on exercises aimed at changing their weight or body shape
You notice changes in their eating habits or behaviours at lunch or break time. They may seem uncomfortable, you might notice them eating less or hiding or disposing of food.
They link guilt to food and may talk about good or bad foods
They may change to a special diet to have more control over what they eat – e.g decide to become vegan or to follow a sugar free or gluten free diet. You might notice such behaviours if cooking with a class or during special occasions such as school tours.
If you notice these signs or symptoms in a student take note of your concerns and date them. Inform the principal, counsellor or designated person in your school of these concerns.