Social media, selfie culture, and the crisis of child body image

Body image is an important aspect of children’s self-esteem and confidence. Unfortunately, many of our young children are suffering from anxieties about their appearance, which has a harmful effect on their overall mental health and wellbeing. In recent years this has been exacerbated by social media, selfie culture, and flattering filters, leading to higher rates of self-objectification in young people. For example, did you know that:

• 2 in 5 young people say that the images they see on social media has made them worry about their body.
• 4 in 5 10-to-12-year-olds say it’s important to look good on social media and on average take about 4 selfies before settling on the perfect snap.
• 75% of 10- to 11-year-olds would like to change their appearance.
• Children as young as 6 are worrying about their shape and size.

These worrying statistics demonstrate why promoting body confidence should be a priority for every school, teacher and parent.

This updated second edition of the award-winning Body Image in the Primary School examines the pressures that young people face and argues that these issues need to be addressed at an early age. Presenting a clear, easy-to-use scheme of work to support emotional literacy and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), throughout the primary school and into the first years of secondary school, this new edition offers:

• A practical evidence-based programme for children aged 4 –13.
• More than 60 lively, varied and detailed lesson plans.
• Additional lessons on gender, social media and the selfie culture.
• An overview of research on the links between body image, academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.

The evidence-based lessons in Body Image in the Primary School have been awarded the quality kitemark by the PSHE Association and highlighted by Ofsted as an example of excellent practice. This book will be of significant interest to all teachers, teaching assistants and practitioners working with primary aged children.

About the Authors
Nicky Hutchinson and Chris Calland are teachers and education consultants based in Bristol, who have over 25 years’ specialist experience in children’s behaviour, mental health and wellbeing. They advise the government, schools, universities and parents on this important topic. Their work and research on children’s body image and mental health is recognised internationally, and they received a government award for their work in body image education. They offer training on body image and all aspects of mental health at www.notjustbehaviour.co.uk.

Body Image in the Primary School, 2^nd Edition is published by Routledge and is available from: www.routledge.com/9780367188429

For interviews, review copies and other publicity requests, please contact:
Tom Eden, Associate Marketing Manager
tom.eden@tandf.co.uk