Body Image Sessions for MS

[jnemartin, BSN, RN]

Hi everyone! I've been tasked with putting together a positive body image session for 7th and 8th grade girls (at the last minute!). Last year, the 7th graders watched a YouTube clip from the Super Bowl and scrolled through the nasty comments about the female performers' bodies. I'd like to update it with something more recent - have you seen any good examples of body shaming on social media or media in general? I searched clips from the Grammys, facebooks of the Kardashians, plus sized models, and everyone I could think of that tends to get negative comments on social media, and SHOCKINGLY, the comments are all mostly positive.

For 8th graders we are watching a YouTube clip of people reading each other their negative self talk, having a discussion, and creating mantras for positive self talk. (These are the same kids that would have done the Super Bowl activity last year).

[OldDude]

Is this for real?

If so, for a public school?

And what is a "positive body image session...for girls?"

[jnemartin, BSN, RN]

6 hours ago, OldDude said:

Is this for real?

If so, for a public school?

And what is a "positive body image session...for girls?"

Why would this not be real? I'm surprised at this reply because I sense rudeness/sarcasm, and that's never been my experience with asking for help on this board before. While I didn't provide all details, I do think my OP gives a decent picture of the format and objective of a "positive body image session... for girls." This is my first year as a school nurse, but this is a program they've offered for the past 5 years, so I don't think it's that cutting edge. I think a lot of other schools roll this in to puberty/sex ed.

The school counselor lead these sessions in the past, but she's got too much on her plate so I'm taking over.

The school is a private secular school.

A "Positive Body Image" session is a psychosocial intervention aimed at promoting emotional/mental health. In the past, how it's been conducted is the girls look at some images or video clips and discuss how peers/media/social media impacts their body image, self talk, and other pressures/stresses/observations they have about body image and self image in general. Then they discuss healthy/positive self talk, and do some sort of uplifting activity. In the past there was a flimsy equivalent of this offered to the boys, but not this year (maybe in the future but it was too last minute and I had to make everything from scratch).

here's an example, and actually the general idea I'm going with for 8th graders: •https://youtu.be/_3agBWqGfRo

[OldDude]

36 minutes ago, jnemartin said:

Why would this not be real? I'm surprised at this reply because I sense rudeness/sarcasm, and that's never been my experience with asking for help on this board before. While I didn't provide all details, I do think my OP gives a decent picture of the format and objective of a "positive body image session... for girls." This is my first year as a school nurse, but this is a program they've offered for the past 5 years, so I don't think it's that cutting edge. I think a lot of other schools roll this in to puberty/sex ed.

The school counselor lead these sessions in the past, but she's got too much on her plate so I'm taking over.

The school is a private secular school.

A "Positive Body Image" session is a psychosocial intervention aimed at promoting emotional/mental health. In the past, how it's been conducted is the girls look at some images or video clips and discuss how peers/media/social media impacts their body image, self talk, and other pressures/stresses/observations they have about body image and self image in general. Then they discuss healthy/positive self talk, and do some sort of uplifting activity. In the past there was a flimsy equivalent of this offered to the boys, but not this year (maybe in the future but it was too last minute and I had to make everything from scratch).

here's an example, and actually the general idea I'm going with for 8th graders: •https://youtu.be/_3agBWqGfRo

It was not my intent to come across rude or sarcastic so I sincerely apologize for doing so. I truly have never heard of such an organized activity in public school. Since you're a private school you can do anything your administration wants to do regarding such programs.

I will freely admit I am a Cave Man and I don't understand a lot of such things as you describe...enough said about that.

Best of luck to you!!

[tining, BSN, RN]

Try a TV show called "Love after Lock up." Concerns ladies and gentlemen with love interests that are about to be released from prison. This zany, thought provoking, dramedy - oops reality drama is certainly a must see.

I can only imagine the comments and yes this is my guilty pleasure.

[kidzcare]

I think this is a great idea for public or private school.

Girls and women are harassed for their appearance at a far higher rate than men. Online and in everyday life.

Self esteem drops significantly in adolescence for all children and especially for girls. Online harassment and seeing unrealistic body expectations in media do not help.