-42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner
-10 million females and 1 million males are in a life and death battle with an eating disorder.
-Eating disorders are more prevalent than Alzheimer's.
-Over 1/2 of teen girls use unhealthy dieting methods.
-80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance.
How do we as future educators promote healthy body-images in the classroom?
I think that part of the problem with body image us due to her adult role models. Her stepmother, Jennifer, feels that Emma, the younger sister, is fat, when in all actuality, she is a physically active, healthy, plump girl. This view on her younger sister may contribute to some of Lia's insecurities. Not only that, but in a society where women are constantly objectified and made to believe that if their not a size 00 they have failed, they're ugly, and they're worthless. It takes a strong support system for teenage girls, and adult women to overcome this. I feel like it's one of those unspoken things that everyone sees happening and very few people do anything about it.
ReplyDeleteAs educators I feel it's important to educate our students on healthy living, supporting their peers, and understanding that everyone offers something to the table that makes them beautiful. Women tend to constantly compare ourselves to each other and compete. We all do it or have done it, and we know it's unhealthy. As educators we need to keep our eyes and ears open for this behavior and put a stop to it instantly. Prevention is best, but we need to act also. We need to be support systems and have an open door policy with resources at the ready for any student, particularly those who are having a difficult time.
Scary statistics, particularly the 1st - 3rd graders. I have a 1st and 2nd grade girls myself. This book has helped open my eyes to what many young girls face in our society.
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