5 Ways to Create a Body-Positive Classroom

Young people are suffering from negative body image at shocking rates from as young as 4 years old. Young people's body image will affect their mental health, physical health, self-esteem and even their academic achievement. Here are five easy and effective ways to promote body positivity in your classroom:

1. Celebrate Different Body Types

Representation matters. Ensure that the materials and resources used in your classroom reflect a diverse range of body types, ethnicities, abilities, and genders. This can be done by:

• Using textbooks and educational materials that showcase people of various body types and backgrounds.

• Including stories, case studies, and examples that highlight diverse individuals and their achievements.

• Displaying posters, artwork, and images in the classroom that celebrate body diversity.

  
  

By normalising diverse body types, students learn to appreciate and respect differences, reducing the stigma around body image.

Ask yourself, when was the last time I included stories with a disabled character? Can I include images of athletes of different body sizes in my classroom?

If young people don't see body diversity, they won't learn that it is okay to look different. Celebrate uniqueness.

It can feel like a tick box exercise, but including diverse representation intentionally isn't inauthentic; it's a vital step towards creating an inclusive and empowering environment where every student feels seen, valued, and respected.

2. Use Inclusive Language

Language shapes our perceptions and attitudes. Adopt inclusive and respectful language when discussing body-related topics. Here are some tips:

• Avoid making comments about weight, size, or appearance. Instead of "Don't you look pretty" you could say "I love your colourful outfit" or "Wow, you look confident and strong today!"

• Encourage positive self-talk and affirmations. You could start the day with everyone choosing an affirmation for the day.

• Use terms like "healthy" and "strong" instead of "thin" or "fit."

• Be mindful of how you discuss food, exercise, and health, focusing on well-being rather than appearance.

  
  

Creating a safe space where students feel comfortable and accepted is crucial for building body positivity.

3. Promote Healthy, Enjoyable Physical Activities

Physical activity should be about fun and health, not about changing how we look to be thinner, or muscular. Encourage students to engage in physical activities they enjoy, and focus on those mental health benefits. Here’s how:

• Offer a variety of physical activities in physical education classes, including non-competitive and low-impact options. Try dance, yoga, active games, inclusive sports.

• Emphasise the mental and physical health benefits of exercise rather than focusing on weight loss or muscle gain.

• Create a supportive environment where students of all abilities feel included and motivated to participate.

  
  

When students find joy in physical activity, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward their bodies.

4. Educate About Media Literacy

Students are constantly bombarded with media messages about body image. Teaching media literacy can help them critically analyze these messages and build resilience against unrealistic body standards. Consider these strategies:

• Discuss how media, advertising, and social media portray body image.

• Highlight the use of photo editing and filters in creating unrealistic images.

• Encourage students to follow body-positive influencers and accounts on social media.

  
  

By understanding how media influences body image, students can develop a more realistic and positive view of themselves.

5. Foster a Supportive Community

Creating a body-positive classroom extends beyond individual actions. It involves fostering a community where everyone supports and uplifts each other. Here are some ideas:

• Discourage comments on physical appearance including from the teacher! This includes

• Encourage students to share their experiences and feelings about body image in a safe and supportive environment.

• Create classroom policies that address and prevent body shaming and bullying.

A supportive community helps students feel valued and respected, regardless of their body type.

It might take time...

Building a body-positive classroom is a continuous process that requires effort, empathy, and commitment. By incorporating diverse representation, using inclusive language, promoting enjoyable physical activities, educating about media literacy, and fostering a supportive community, you can create an environment where all students feel confident and proud of their bodies. Let’s work together to inspire and empower the next generation to embrace their uniqueness and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.