Allied Health (Wellbeing)
BodyKind August: Every Body Deserves Kindness
Throughout August, we are recognising BodyKind August, an annual initiative from the Butterfly Foundation that encourages young people, families, schools and communities to be kind to their own bodies and respectful of others.
Body image is not only about how we look. It also includes the thoughts, feelings and beliefs we have about our bodies. Young people receive many messages about appearance through social media, advertising, peers and wider society. As adults, we can help create environments where all bodies are respected and young people feel valued for who they are - not how they look.
Families can support healthy body image by:
- avoiding negative comments about their own or other people’s bodies
- focusing on what bodies can do rather than how they look
- speaking about food and movement in balanced, non-judgemental ways
- encouraging young people to question unrealistic or edited images online
- recognising strengths, qualities and achievements unrelated to appearance
listening calmly if a young person shares concerns about their body.
We also encourage students to notice how they speak to themselves and others. A kind comment- or choosing not to make an appearance-based comment-can make a meaningful difference.
Being BodyKind does not mean we must always feel positive about our appearance. It means treating our bodies and ourselves with care, respect and compassion, even on difficult days.
If you are concerned about your young person’s body image, eating behaviours or emotional wellbeing, please consider speaking with your GP or contacting the school’s Allied Health Team on 9743 3322 or at wellbeingmelton@meltonsc.vic.edu.au.
Families can also access information and free resources through the Butterfly Foundation’s BodyKind August initiative.
This August, let’s work together to create a school community where every body is treated with kindness and respect.