Like yourself – it’s all about you

By Meg Kennedy

In an age of social media, the issue of body image has become even more topical among young people.
The Butterfly Foundation reported in September 2018 that 41.5 percent of Australians will compare themselves to others on social media, with 98 percent of young people using social media at least once a day (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
In recent weeks, social media platform Instagram has trialled removing the number of public ‘likes’ on each post.
Moorabool Shire Council has partnered with the Butterfly Foundation to provide a free session for parents, carers and community members to share information and tips to better understand and support children and teens’ body confidence.
The session will cover why positive body image, non-dieting approaches and healthy behaviours in relation to food and exercise are strong protective factors; what to do if your child expresses negativity towards themselves or others; the power of positive role modelling; warning signs and sources of help.
Moorabool Shire Council Community Development Acting GM Sharon McArthur said the aim of the program “is to bring together different parts of the community to create lasting pathways in the promotion of body esteem.”
“It is essential that we educate around the importance of prevention and early intervention for body dissatisfaction and eating disorders,” said Ms McArthur.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for students, parents and professionals in Moorabool to get information, practical tools and resources to address this important issue.”
The partnership came about after the Butterfly Foundation sent an expression of interest to councils interested in bringing a program to communities, with the program matching Moorabool Shire’s 2018-2021 Youth Strategy.
Priority Area 1 in the 2018-2021 Youth Strategy focuses on health and wellbeing for young people.
Other programs focussing on youth health and wellbeing include an art program for young people aged 12-18 years, with a focus on improved mental health, positive self-image and increased self-esteem.
The free meeting will be held on Monday, 5 August between 7pm – 8.30pm at the Supper Room at 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh.
To book a place at the session and for more information, click here.