For Schools
Here are some ways schools can help those with eating, body image and weight-related problems:
- Make the school environment more comfortable for children of different sizes. Promote acceptance of size-diversity, increased self-esteem and positive body image in classes.
- Establish a no-tolerance policy for
- bullying
- size-related jokes
- stereotypes about those with eating disorders or weight-related problems
- verbal abuse and name-calling
- social rejection based on size and appearance
- When a child or teen with an eating disorder is receiving professional treatment, provide necessary modifications to school schedule, class attendance, school meals, and opportunities to eat at school, as requested by parents and health care professionals treating the student.
- Collaborate with a health care professional to make a decision about curtailing athletic participation for students with eating or exercise problems.
- Treat all eating disorders the same. Do not show more concern for one illness over another. Convey that all of the eating disorders can severely affect physical and mental health.
- Provide a student receiving treatment for an eating disorder with needed professional support in the school setting. Students often benefit from having someone like a school social worker, school psychologist, school nurse or school physician to turn to on difficult days.
- Learn the signs of eating disorders. Students, especially athletes, often try to hide them. Detect eating disorder behavior early and quickly refer. In those with known eating disorders, report behaviors of concern to a designated health care professional on your school staff.
- When addressing students about disordered eating, body image, or weight-related problems, talk to students individually rather than in a group.
- Recognize eating disorders are an illness, not a choice.
- It is best not to give advice about weight loss, weight gain, exercise or appearance. Let the health or mental health care provider discuss these issues with the student and family.
The role of the educator when addressing a student with a suspected eating disorder:
- Talk to the student individually first.
- Discourage a critical or anxious group of friends from confronting a student with suspected problems.
- Use "I" statements when addressing the student. Site direct observations that have raised concern.
- State your concerns about the student's health and well-being.
- Give your evidence for specific problem behaviors and stick to the facts.
- Be supportive and understanding, rather than criticizing or being punitive.
- Stay firm about the need for a professional evaluation.
- It is okay to end the conversation if either party gets too upset or there is an impasse. Come back to the conversation
- Take necessary action to carry out your responsibility and protect yourself. Report your concern to the proper staff at your school, e.g., social worker, school medical professional.
- When ending dialogue with the student, leave the door open for future conversations.
- Lead the student to necessary therapeutic help.
- Leave diagnosing to a professional health care provider.
- Focus on the importance of health rather than weight, shape or size.
- Don't agree to keep secrets.
- Maintain your own professional position. Avoid becoming the student's therapist, rescuer or savior. Encourage professional treatment and support.
- Be knowledgeable about community resources for disordered eating, and body image and weight-related problems.
- Arrange for follow-up with the student to ensure the student stays on track for getting help.
