Body image is how an individual feels about their body. Having a healthy body image means an individual accepts what they look like without trying to change their body based on what they or others think they should look like.
Many children and youth struggle with their body image because of factors like social media, other types of media, societal expectations, peer pressure, and bullying.
The school environment plays a large role in youth learning more about themselves as well as their development. School can provide students with a sense of belonging and access to supportive relationships with trusted adults, which are both protective factors for resilience in youth.
Research shows that teaching students about eating disorders is not effective in changing their eating behaviours and can be harmful as it glamorizes certain concerning eating behaviours.
Instead, the Ontario Community Outreach Program for Eating Disorders gives an overview of how schools can effectively address disordered eating by adopting comprehensive, school-wide approaches including:
- “adult influencer training with a focus on self-reflection of personal attitudes towards food, weight and shape, as well as weight bias and weight science literacy
- individual skill building including media literacy to help ward off pressures to conform to appearance ideals
- ways to create supportive environments, free of weight-based bullying”
Classroom Resources |
| National Eating Disorder Information Centre; Beyond Images (English) and Au-dela de l’Image (Français): Self-esteem and body image curriculum for grades 4-8.
Ophea and Dove; Confident Me (English) and J’ai confiance (Français): Lesson plans and resources for grades 4-8 (requires you to make an Ophea account). Some of the resources can also be accessed from the Dove Website without an Ophea account. Media Smarts; The Price of Happiness (English) and Le prix du bonheur (Français): Lesson plan for grades 8-12 on self-esteem, self-image and advertising. |
Caregiver and Educator Resources |
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Parenting in Ottawa offers information and tips for how to support a positive body image and self-esteem with their children. Media Smarts offers tips for how to talk to children about media and body image. |
For additional information related to body image, please visit our school-focused pages on mental health, sexual health, and healthy eating.