And now a word from 

Mrs Richards...

BUILDING POSITIVE BODY IMAGE IN CHILDREN

Body image refers to how we think and feel about our bodies. For children, this can begin forming at a very young age—even as early as 4 or 5 years old. 

Research shows that:

•  Around 50% of pre-adolescent girls (and increasing numbers of boys) feel unhappy with their   bodies 

•  Body image is one of the top concerns for young Australians 

•  Negative body image is linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and disordered eating behaviours 

Children today are growing up in a world where appearance is often emphasised more than ever. Influences include:

• Social media and advertising, which often promote unrealistic appearance ideals 

• Peer comparisons and comments at school 

• Messages from adults, even unintended ones about dieting or appearance 

These pressures can lead children to believe that how they look is more important than who they are.

What can parents and teachers do?

✅ DO:

•             Focus on what bodies can do, not just how they look (e.g. running, playing,                                creating) 

•             Model positive language about your own body and others 

•             Encourage strengths and qualities unrelated to appearance (kindness, effort,                          creativity) 

•             Talk openly and create a safe space for your child to share feelings 

•             Teach media awareness—help children question unrealistic images 

•             Promote healthy habits (balanced eating, sleep, activity) without focusing on                            weight 

🚫 DON’T:

•             Avoid making negative comments about your own body or others’ bodies 

•             Avoid linking food to guilt or reward 

•             Avoid encouraging dieting behaviours in children 

•             Avoid comparing your child’s appearance to others 

•             Avoid dismissing concerns—listen and respond calmly

When to seek support:

If you notice your child:

• Frequently criticising their appearance 

• Avoiding activities due to body concerns 

• Showing changes in eating or exercise habits 

• Expressing distress about their body 

…it may be helpful to seek additional support.

Support Services for Families

• Kids Helpline- Free 24/7 counselling for young people (phone & online) 

• Butterfly Foundation -Support for eating disorders and body image concerns, including       resources for families 

• Healthdirect Australia - Trusted health advice and pathways to support

Thank you for helping keep our school community safe

You might notice new banners around our school this term as part of the City of Kingston’s Safe Around Schools campaign.

This campaign starts with a simple message: thank you. 

This campaign recognises the many drivers in our community who are already doing the right thing: slowing down, stopping at crossings, and taking care around our schools.

You might see messages like this:

• Thank you for driving safely around our schools 

• Thank you for slowing & stopping 

• Thank you for slowing down. You’re protecting our children.

These are simple reminders that we all play a role in keeping our children, families, and crossing supervisors safe.

Thank you for helping create a safe, calm environment around our school.