Body Image Lessons Will Curb the Rise of Eating Disorders in Children, AM Suggests; Self-Esteem Needs Boosting against Media Images of 'Perfect' Bodies

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Byline: Madeleine Brindley

CHILDREN should be taught about body image and self-esteem in school to help prevent eating disorders, an AM has said.

Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins has called on Education Minister Jane Hutt to include the subject in the national curriculum.

Her campaign comes amid concerns that 11 and 12-year-olds - especially girls - are already comparing themselves to pictures of emaciated models widely used by the media.

It coincides with a similar call from stylist and television presenter Gok Wan for schools to take a lead on tackling teenagers' concerns about their appearance.

Ms Jenkins, who chairs the National Assembly's cross-party group on eating disorders, said: "I believe that it is important that young people learn about their bodies from an early age, …