Body image is consistently reported as one of the top three concerns for young people.
In an effort to support and educate the Xavier parent community, the second Parent Forum for the year, hosted by Burke Hall Campus, focused on body image. Ms Danni Rowlands, the National Manager for Prevention at the Butterfly Foundation, was the guest speaker for the event. Danni has worked with thousands of young people, parents and professionals around eating disorder education, prevention, identification, support and rehabilitation.
The Butterfly Foundation’s RESET education program is designed to start a deeper conversation with boys about negative body image and eating disorders. Xavier College is the first boys-only secondary school and first predominately boys school to engage with The Butterfly Foundation.
Some of the key stats highlighted by the RESET program include:
- 90% of adolescent boys report that they exercise primarily to gain muscle
- Two thirds of adolescent boys report making specific changes to their diet to gain
- muscle
- 25% of people experiencing Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are male
- Almost an equal number of males and females experience binge eating disorder
Within her address, Danni covered the warning signs and signals of eating and body-related issues, as well as referral and support information. She also provided information and strategies to empower parents to help their children develop and maintain body confidence throughout their youth.
Most importantly, she spoke of the importance of role modelling positive body image and healthy behaviours to children as well as shifting the focus from weight to wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, The Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline is 1800 334 673.
