7 December 2016: Helping children and young people feel better about their bodies is the focus of a new book by a University of Canberra academic to be launched TOMORROW.
No Body’s Perfect by University of Canberra assistant professor in psychology and body image expert Dr Vivienne Lewis, is a helpers’ guide to promote positive body image in children and young people aged six and over.
Written for teachers, counsellors, parents and carers, the book includes activities to do at school and at home. It also contains guidelines on how to discuss topics such as teasing and body bashing, the dangers of dieting, and how to be a positive role model to others.
Dr Lewis said that a negative body image in childhood can lead to a lifetime of struggle and self-doubt, so addressing the issue early is crucial.
“Body dissatisfaction can start as early as the first year of school as children learn about differences between their body and other people’s bodies,” Dr Lewis said.
“This can then lead to other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, eating issues, even suicide.
“Body image is the number one concern for children and young people aged from 12-25, above other concerns such as school, family and friends. In today’s image-conscious world, it’s important that we help young people feel better about their bodies.”
Dr Lewis hopes her book will also assist teachers, parents and health professionals learn how their own behaviour influences children, and help them to develop a healthy mindset towards their own body.
No Body’s Perfect will be launched tomorrow by University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deep Saini. ABC Grandstand’s Tim Gavel will also speak at the event.
Dr Lewis is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years’ experience as a researcher and clinician. She specialises in working with children, young people and adults with body image issues and eating disorders.
No Body’s Perfect is Dr Lewis’ second book. Her first book, Positive Bodies: Loving the Skin You're In, is a self-help book for young people and adults wanting to improve their body image and mental health.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415