Body image is closely linked to mental health during adolescence. When a young person is dissatisfied with his/her body it can lead to risk-taking behaviours and various mental health problems.

Research released in 2019 by the Mental Health Foundation showed that among teenagers, 37% felt upset, and 31% felt ashamed in relation to their body image. Two contributing factors to this high percentage could be the increased exposure to social media and celebrity culture that teenagers experience.

As we begin a New Year, young people will be particularly vulnerable and under pressure to conform to unrealistic standards as they are bombarded with adverts for fad diets, exercise plans and cleanses.

Therefore, it’s imperative for pupils to develop a healthy positive body image and a resilient internal voice from an early age. To support this we have launched a new six-week Body Image and Mental Health Programme.

The programme has been designed by our safeguarding experts to give teachers the tools to promote a healthy body image and encourage pupils to speak up.

Registration for the programme is open until the 17th January and there are 50 free places available, click here to find out more.