Why promoting positive body image is essential in primary school

Article submitted by: Butterfly Foundation

Since the pandemic, reporting has revealed an alarming rise in body image concerns in young Australians, including a higher prevalence of eating disorders.

In fact, between 2021 and 2022, Butterfly Foundation’s Education Team experienced a 109 per cent increase in enquiries from primary schools, with both school staff and parents describing a notable increase in the number of children affected, mostly in Years 4-6.

By addressing risk factors and fostering protective factors for children to feel bright in their bodies, this evidence-based program is designed to prevent the development of significant body image and eating issues in the late childhood and adolescent years.

Studies clearly show that children who grow up more accepting of their body size and shape are more likely to:

• experience higher self-esteem and body satisfaction
• take care of their physical and mental health
• positively engage and participate in school and other activities.

To fit within existing school infrastructure, Butterfly Body Bright can be flexibly implemented by primary schools since they can choose from an abundance of resources to promote positive body image and a healthy relationship with eating and physical activity.

The whole school approach recognises that everyone in the school community can contribute to this goal, with resources for staff, students and families.

School staff can increase their knowledge through the online, self-paced, NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) accredited professional development training and can access curriculum-aligned, age and developmentally appropriate lesson plans (Foundation-Year 6) at no cost to the school. Resources are also included for school culture and families.

To register your school, invite your child’s school or to find out more, visit www.butterflybodybright.org.au