Evidence shows that early intervention and treatment of an eating disorder can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful recovery, and the long-term well-being of the person affected. Research also indicates that body image is a key factor affecting youth mental health and that promoting positive body image in young people is important to their overall wellbeing. The Bodywhys school resources have been developed in collaboration with teachers and young people to promote awareness of eating disorders and to promote positive body image.
School Talks
The ‘Be Body Positive’ talk (80 minutes duration) is delivered to secondary school class groups. These talks are intended to promote awareness of eating disorders and to promote positive body image through discussion of current influences to body image such as media, peers, social media and school. Students will also learn practical ways to challenge these pressures, improve body image and to build a positive, supportive relationship with their bodies. All school talks are free of charge, but as a charity, we can accept donations.
We are currently only booking for 2024/2025 academic year. Please register your interest via the appropriate form below and one of the Bodywhys team will be in contact.
Due to limited resources, we are currently only in a position to offer in-person talks in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. For all other areas, please fill in the form below to register your interest in Bodywhys school resources
Staff Training
Bodywhys believes that teachers and youth workers are often in the best places to help detect, prevent and support young people affected by eating disorders. Teachers and youth workers can also effectively promote awareness of eating disorders and promote positive body image within the school setting.
To register your interest in secondary school teacher training and to receive email notification of new training date, please fill out the form here.
Body Positive Project
The ‘Body Positive Project’’ aims to encourage schools, youth groups, colleges, clubs and organisations to actively promote positive body image in children and young people. It is intended to enhance and reward positive action taken in relation to promoting positive body image. To find out more information on the Body Positive Project click here.
Online Resources
Bodywhys are currently reviewing and updating our online resources. To register your interest in receiving information on our updated resources when they become available please click here.
The #MoreThanASelfie programme is suitable for all Junior Cycle students and may be particularly helpful for first year groups to encourage a supportive classroom environment where individual differences are celebrated and where positive body image can grow.
School/Project Groups
Body image, media literacy and eating disorders are popular topic choices for students who are interested in participating in the Young Social Innovators (YSI), Leaving Cert Applied, Cycle Against Suicide or other mental health promotion events.
To arrange a short FAQ session with one of the Youth Development team, please fill in this form.
