Messages about body image

Students explore the definition of body image and factors that affect it and recognise that we are all different physically. The aspects of development that they have little control over are discussed.

1. Explain that body image refers to how you see yourself, how you feel about the way you look and what you think other people might think about how you look. Explore this idea until you are sure students understand it.
2. Conduct a sharing circle using a small, soft ball and the following questions:
   • Name one way your family can affect your body image in a positive/negative way.
   • Name a way your friends can affect your body image in a positive/negative way.
   • Say one positive thing about the person to your left.
   • Name one thing about your body that you feel good about and why.
   • Name one singer or actor who has made you compare your body to his/hers.
   • Name how you might feel if you came to school on free dress day in your school uniform?
   • Name how you might feel if everyone in your group was wearing a certain type of wristband and you didn’t have one.
   • Name a crazy diet that you have heard of.
   • What is your favourite healthy food?
   • What is your favourite way to exercise?
3. Have students record their own definition of body image and draw a mind map of where they might get their messages about their own body image.

Ask:

• In what ways are we different to each other? (e.g. height weight, complexion, eye colour, likes/dislikes, abilities)
• What are some things we can change through effort, by studying or practising? (e.g. sporting skills, musical skills)
• What are some things we can’t change about ourselves? (e.g. height, eye colour)
• What are some things about ourselves that will change over time whether we like it or not? (e.g. height and weight will change as we grow, interests change as we mature)

4. Have each student write down three things he/she is good at and share them with a partner. Stress that a person’s strengths and weaknesses define them as an individual and that one thing that makes the world interesting is that we all have these unique qualities. Explain that, as with other traits, each of us grows, develops and matures at a different rate. Rapid changes in height, weight and weight distribution;

In girls:

• Begins earlier than in boys.
• Usually begins between 10.5 and 11.5 years (but may be as early as 8 or 9 and as late as 12 or older).
• Full physical development is usually reached by 15.5 years.

In boys:

• Usually begins between 11 and 13.5 years.
• Full physical development is usually reached by age 16 or 17.
• Often accompanied by an increase in muscles and strength.
• Often accompanied by an increase in appetite.

5. Ask:
   • Do you feel like you have ever been picked on or teased about qualities (either physical or otherwise) that are unique to you? How did you feel?
   • How could others change their approach to you to make the situation better?
   • What did you do to cope with your feelings about the situation?
   • Have you ever picked on others over some trait that is unique to them?
   • If so, how did the person you picked on respond?
   • If you had the situation to do over again, what would you do differently?
6. Stress that we are all different in many ways, including physically. Some of these differences are within our power to influence while others are out of our control. Stress that physical fitness and healthy eating are factors that are within our control that can help change our body shape. Each of us should focus on being the best we can be and show respect toward others.