Lesson Plans - Body Image

Promoting a Positive Body Image in Children

As a teacher you can positively influence body image in your students by:

1. Being a positive role model
   • Be aware of the messages you send about your own body and the comments you make about other people’s bodies.
   • Refute common stereotypes and prejudices.
   • Celebrate diversity in weight and shape.
   • Discourage children from weighing themselves.
   • Never reward with food or withhold it as punishment.
2. Helping children celebrate their bodies
   • Focus on what bodies do well rather than what bodies look like.
   • Teach them the joy of being active and how their bodies feel and perform.
   • Focus on positive non-appearance traits (e.g., being caring, friendly, musical or athletic).
   • Stress that there isn't an "ideal" body shape and that people come in all shapes and sizes.
   • Teach them ways of coping with put downs and negative comments.
   • Explain that their bodies will change and grow, especially during puberty.

Children’s Health Services, Halton