Butterfly Foundation
On Tuesday 3 October, the Butterfly Foundation travelled to Girton Grammar School to present a workshop on body image to students in Years 5 to 10. Recent research indicates that 90% of young people report to have some level of concern about their body image.
Asha and Rachel spoke openly to the students about their own experiences as young people, encouraging them to develop body-positive language around their self-image and think about strategies that empower young people to be happy in their own skin.
The impact of these sessions on our students is better explained through their own words.
Junior School student reflections
What aspects of the body image presentation were interesting?
I was interested in how everybody is different in a special way.
What did you like about the body image presentation?
I liked how they taught us that everybody changes at their own speed. I think everyone found it very interesting.
What did you learn?
I learnt that everyone's different and that social media can affect us in good and bad ways.
What is one key message you took away from the presentation?
Be proud of your body; you should never compare yourself to others.
Luca Krelle (5 Aherne)
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What aspects of the body image presentation were interesting?
It was interesting that some people want something that others don't have, like curly hair, and some people with curly want straight hair. It just shows that no-one knows what is happening in other people's heads.
What did you like about the body image presentation?
I liked how it was very interactive, and we got to say our opinions.
What did you learn?
I learnt about how to deal with insecurities.
What is one key message you took away from the presentation?
Everyone is different.
Rowena Lawson (5 Frew)
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What aspects of the body image presentation were interesting?
It was really interesting how it showed us that people want to be like someone else, but that person wanted to be different themselves.
What did you like about the body image presentation?
I liked how it showed us that we are just fine the way we are and can do great things in our own bodies.
What did you learn?
I learnt that even when people are better than you at something, you should always be yourself and never try to be like others because it won't work.
What is one key message you took away from the presentation?
It doesn't matter what you look like, you are fine just the way you are.
Joshua Ashby (5 Frew)
Senior School student reflections
Attending the Butterfly Foundation seminar on body image and its connection to social media has been an eye-opening experience for me. As a young person navigating the digital landscape, I found the presentation to be both insightful and thought-provoking. Something I thought was excellent about the experience was its relatability. The presenter shared real struggles from their own life, as well as providing examples from a more modern-day context. One of the key takeaways from the presentation was the profound impact that social media and the internet have had on how we perceive ourselves and those around us. I learnt how important it is to take all body-related images found online with a heavy grain of salt, because in the technological age of today it’s never been easier to control an outsider’s perception of our bodies and even our personalities online. We were told never to compare ourselves to the glossy influencers saturating the web, or even to our own friends and the people around us. We were also educated on signs to look out for if we believe that a friend or loved one could be fostering an unhealthy body image, such as constant self-deprecation or a sudden over-interest in health or fitness. One of the key things I took away from the talk was undoubtedly that comparison is the killer of joy, and that there’s nothing wrong with feeling uncomfortable in our own bodies. We can all make a difference by making an effort not to perpetuate unrealistic body standards, both online and in day-to-day life.
Oliver Jacobs (8 Jones)
On Tuesday we had a guest speaker, Rachel, come and talk to us about the Butterfly Foundation. She spoke to us about how social media is forever placing standards on us and our appearance. It was interesting to hear from her as she spoke about how we are subjected to 3,000 photos online every day. I enjoyed her inclusivity and how friendly she was. Although a short presentation, a key message I took away from it was to never feel the urge to compare myself as the beauty standard is only achievable for around 5% of the population.
Savannah Mitchell (8 Millward)
Mrs Melinda Naughton
Learning Leader of the Achieve Program
Assistant Head of Humanities
