Children as Young as Five in Rutland Worried About Their Appearance
Charity launches workshops to tackle body image concerns and prevent future eating disorders
Children in Rutland as young as five are struggling with how they see their bodies, according to the eating disorder charity First Steps ED.
The organisation says it’s hearing from young people who are already worried about how they look, with some primary school children admitting they “don’t want to be perceived as fat.”
Summer Boland from the charity says these worries can lead to problems with eating later, as well as mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
“Body image dissatisfaction is a high risk factor—it’s a common symptom of eating disorders and a risk factor for other mental health issues."
"It’s important to get the conversations going early rather than later,” she explains.
To help, First Steps ED has launched ‘Understanding Body Image’ workshops for young people in Rutland.
The sessions offer support and education in a positive group setting, looking at what body image means, how it affects feelings and behaviour, and ways to deal with challenges like social media and constant comparison.
Workshop material is now tailored for children aged ten to fifteen, focusing on suitable language and support for their age group.