Assessment

• Or perhaps we remember references to calories and diets in the classroom.
• Given what we know about the links between weight stigma and the development of eating disorders, they’re long overdue.

Weight stigma starts early

• Weight stigma and diet culture are rife in our society.
• On the flip side, the latest diets and other weight loss techniques are regularly hot topics of conversation among friends and colleagues.
• Peer teasing for size, weight and shape is common and increases the risk of a child or young person developing an eating disorder.

Fostering positive body image

• For eating disorders specifically, positive role modelling by adults around how we talk about our own and others’ bodies is crucial.
• Research shows learning about body acceptance and appreciation is important for both males and females in developing a positive body image.
• Teachers have an important role in educating our children about body respect and having a healthy relationship with their bodies and eating.

How to talk about food with kids

• We need to talk about food for its function in our bodies (such as carbohydrates for energy and fats for our brain).
• We should talk about foods we eat to help us concentrate and fuel our bodies as well as making us strong and helping us feel well.
• Here's why

  Food should also be presented as an enjoyable and a social activity (for example, sharing food with others).

Everyone has a role

• As adults we have to work really hard to be better role models.
• While teachers play a crucial role, children also need other adults to go to who make them feel understood and accepted.

Dr Vivienne Lewis works for the University of Canberra and runs her own Clinical Psychology practice.