Body Image in the Primary School: A Self-Esteem Approach to Building Body Confidence

• 80% of primary aged children have been on a diet.
• 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.

Body image is an important aspect of children’s self-esteem and confidence. Unfortunately, many young children are suffering from anxieties about their appearance, which has a harmful effect on their overall mental health and wellbeing.

This updated second edition of the award-winning Body Image in the Primary School recognises these anxieties as a concern for younger children that needs to be addressed at an early age, and examines some of the pressures that young people face. 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 curriculum 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.