Understanding Body Image in Children and Young People

Body image refers to how we think and feel about our bodies or specific body parts. These thoughts and feelings can influence wellbeing in both positive and negative ways. Unfortunately, many children and young people experience dissatisfaction with their body image, which can impact their mental health.

Studies show that ideas about appearance, body shape, and size begin forming as early as age 3 or 4, and these concerns often grow throughout childhood and adolescence. According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation, over a third (35%) of young people aged 13 - 19 reported worrying about their body image frequently or all the time. Locally, a 2021 survey of Devon pupils found that 18% of primary school boys and 30% of girls were concerned about their appearance. These figures rose to 20% of boys and 56% of girls in secondary school.

Body image concerns can relate to many aspects of appearance, including body size, height, skin tone or texture, facial features, and visible differences or disabilities. When children feel they don’t meet certain standards or feel different from others, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and affect their overall wellbeing.

A wide range of influences shape how children and young people feel about their bodies. These include the attitudes and behaviours of family, friends, and peers; experiences of bullying related to appearance; exposure to social media and advertising that promote narrow beauty ideals; and cultural messages about what is considered attractive or healthy.

Having poor body image can cause a number of negative impacts to wellbeing, including:   

• Low confidence  
• Low self-esteem  
• Increased anxiety  
• Depression or low mood  
• Critical internal voice  
• Social isolation and withdrawal  
• Disengagement from school  
• Disordered eating behaviours 
• Self-harming behaviour 

Promoting Positive Body Image in School

Supporting children and young people with body image concerns can be complex, as many influences - like media, peer pressure, and societal expectations - are hard to avoid. However, schools play a powerful role in creating a supportive environment that values body diversity and shifts the focus away from appearance.

Here are some practical ways schools can help foster a healthier body image:

• Use PSHE lessons to discuss the impact of social media, including how to spot edited or promotional content, and build digital literacy skills.
• Teach health holistically, focusing on how being healthy feels rather than linking it to a specific body type or appearance.
• Frame food and nutrition education around enjoyment and wellbeing, avoiding language that labels foods as “good” or “bad.”
• Approach PE lessons with an emphasis on the mental and emotional benefits of movement and the joy of being active, rather than appearance or performance.
• Celebrate diversity visually by displaying inclusive materials that reflect a range of body types, skin tones, heights, abilities, and differences.
• Encourage pupils to recognise and appreciate their strengths and qualities that aren’t related to how they look.
• Provide staff training on body image to help identify early signs of concern and respond appropriately.
• Promote respectful language among staff and pupils, avoiding comments that reinforce stereotypes or negative views about appearance.
• Share resources with parents to help them understand body image issues and support their children at home.
• Implement clear policies that address and prevent appearance-based teasing, bullying, or body shaming, and ensure support is available for affected pupils.
• Be mindful of school experiences that may affect body image, such as the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP), and use these moments to reinforce positive messaging.