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Body Positivity Student Resources

SBIRT Resources For Students & Teens

Did you know?

In the 2024-25 school year, about 1 of every 8 students in grades 8 and 9 said they were struggling with eating habits or their body image. Eating habit and body image issues affect boys too – about 1/3 of students who said they were struggling identified as male.

Health Effects

Focus

If your body isn’t getting enough food, you may feel tired, dizzy, or have trouble focusing on what you’re doing.

Mood

Worrying too much about your body can make you feel sad or stressed and keep you distracted from things you enjoy.

Screentime, Social Media, and Body Image

Being exposed to images of perfection (that are fake a lot of the time) or perfectly-curated social media profiles can lead to body dissatisfaction, loss of self-esteem, or weakened confidence. Media programming often includes ads that target youth, promoting body and beauty ideals and encouraging body comparison. You can counteract this by thinking critically – ask questions like:

  • Who is this information coming from?
  • What message is being sent?
  • Who profits from this messaging?
  • What’s the evidence that this is true?
  • What do other (official) sources say?

To learn more about social media and screentime, check out the Screentime Student Resources page.

What You Can Do

Here’s what you can do to stay healthy and take care of your body:

Listen to your body

Eat when you are hungry, stop when you are full.

Choose foods that are fuel

What you eat can help you feel strong, focused, and less tired.

Focus on yourself

Try not to compare your body to others.

Move your body

Being active can help your mood and keep your body strong.

Sleep 8-10 hours per night

Getting enough sleep helps your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Choose and use media mindfully

Watch and follow things that support your values and self-esteem.

Give feedback

You can report images or harmful body representations in-app or to an adult.

Advocate for safe and inclusive body talk

Post things that inspire body positivity and promote organizations that do the same.

Talk to a trusted adult

If you’re feeling down about food or your body, talk to someone.

Need immediate help?

Crisis Connections

The Lifeline 988

HearMeWA