Trigger Warning: Eating Disorders
Throughout my teenage years, I was a cheerleader, spending most of my time on a competitive team rather than my high school squad. I wore a two-piece uniform that made me self-conscious, as I struggled to accept my body and was far from body positive.
I still vividly recall the moment my coach shouted, “Johnson! Come on, suck in that gut!” The laughter of my teammates echoed around me, but I did not find it amusing. It was one of those days when I was bloated and felt miserable. In that moment, I was just a kid being shamed for my appearance by an adult in front of a group. Little did they know, I had already made myself sick before practice, and his words only intensified those feelings.
Insecurity about my body has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was not overweight; I just didn’t fit the “itty-bitty” mold that seemed ideal. Those smaller girls garnered more attention at school, attracting the boys and, it felt like, the teachers’ approval. I believed that to be beautiful, I had to be thin.
The road to my eating disorder was gradual, fueled by years of negative self-image. It wasn’t until adulthood that I recognized the absence of positive body image role models in my life. My childhood was not terrible; my mother was supportive and never focused on weight. She frequently told me I was beautiful, but as a teenager, those words felt inadequate. I often responded with, “Of course, you have to say that.”
Growing up, I witnessed my mother struggle with her own body image, hopping from one diet to another and expressing dissatisfaction when clothes fit tightly. She often stood behind me in photos to conceal what she deemed problem areas. Over time, I began to see my own body through her lens, and her insecurities became mine. How could I feel beautiful when my belly resembled the “flaw” she always lamented?
Not every child has adults who can teach them to embrace body positivity, and I don’t blame parents for this. We live in a society that sends mixed messages about body ideals — thin but not too thin, curvy but not too curvy. Parents can’t instill what they don’t embody themselves. It’s crucial to break this cycle, and schools can play a pivotal role in fostering a positive environment.
Children spend a significant amount of their time in school, where negative body perceptions often begin. Schools should adopt a zero-tolerance policy for body shaming. Educators must be vigilant about these issues, as they are rampant. Bullying over appearance can lead to severe mental health struggles, including eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. This should matter to all of us.
PE classes should eliminate BMI tracking. Educational materials, toys, and media need to represent diverse shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. School staff should refrain from discussing diets and the toxic nature of diet culture. When unrealistic beauty standards are presented, they must be addressed openly. Dress codes should be relaxed unless there’s a clear reason tied to student safety.
It’s unjust how certain body types and genders are targeted and judged. This reflects a troubling bias within the education system regarding which bodies are deemed acceptable. Instead of sexualizing students, let’s focus on fostering self-expression and removing shame. Kids with diverse bodies face unique challenges, and our goal should be to create an environment where they feel comfortable and accepted.
Perhaps the best approach to promote body positivity is to avoid discussing individual bodies altogether. Let children lead the conversation, ensuring we are prepared to engage without leaving emotional scars. They need a sanctuary from a world that often tells them they’re not enough. Above all, educators must convey that every child has the right to take up space without fear of judgment.
All bodies, regardless of shape, size, or color, hold equal worth in our society.
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Summary:
Educators play a vital role in fostering body positivity among students. Negative perceptions about bodies often begin in school environments, where bullying and unrealistic beauty standards can severely impact mental health. To combat these issues, schools must establish zero-tolerance policies for body shaming and create inclusive spaces that validate all body types. Teaching children that they can occupy space without fear is essential to breaking the cycle of negative body image.
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