Government backs body confidence pack for parents

The government has backed a new campaign to help educate children about body image in the media

Children will be shown shots of celebrities including Britney Spears before and after airbrushing as part of a drive to educate them about body image. A new pack, backed by the government, has been developed to help parents educate their children on the subject. Developed by NGO Media Smart, it is aimed at children aged 6-11.

‘We have been overwhelmed by the response we have had to the body image teacher pack, both in terms of the volume of responses and the enthusiasm with which it has been received,' says Media Smart chairman Paul Jackson.

Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone says it is an important contribution to the government’s ongoing body confidence campaign.

‘Young people are being set an impossible standard by images in media and advertising which can erode their self-esteem,' she says.

‘As parents, we are often aware of these issues, but may not have had the advice and guidance we need to talk to our children.

‘I want the pack to empower parents to have those difficult conversations and open the door to discussion.’

The pack also includes tips to help parents talk to their children about body image and stresses that the emphasis on being thin is a ‘socially and culturally constructed ideal’.

The pack can be downloaded for free HERE.

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