Body Shaming
Body Shaming
Body shaming refers to devaluing or discriminating against a person because of their body or appearance. It can refer to different aspects of the body, such as height, weight, skin colour, hair colour, facial features, body hair, scars, physical disabilities or other characteristics. Body shaming can be verbal or non-verbal and often takes the form of negative comments, insults, rumours or jokes. It can have a serious impact on the mental health, self-esteem and well-being of the person concerned.
Body shaming describes the derogatory treatment of people because of their body. Unfortunately, this form of discrimination is also a widespread problem in schools. In Germany, more and more students are reporting experiences of body shaming, which can lead to a significant increase in mental health problems and eating disorders. In the following text, we will take a closer look at the issue of body shaming in schools.
More and more young people are suffering from body shaming. According to a study by Techniker Krankenkasse in 2020, 14 per cent of children and young people in Germany have already been discriminated against because of their body. Girls and young women are particularly affected by body shaming. 45 percent of the girls and young women between 14 and 20 years of age surveyed reported negative experiences with body shaming. But boys and young men are also affected: 28 percent of the boys between 14 and 20 years of age surveyed have already experienced discrimination because of their body.
Body shaming has serious consequences for the mental health of learners. Those affected often suffer from depression, anxiety disorders and eating disorders. A 2019 study by the Robert Koch Institute shows that around 7 per cent of girls between the ages of 11 and 17 are affected by an eating disorder. For boys, the rate is 1.3 per cent. Experts suspect that body shaming is an important factor in the development of eating disorders. Self-harm and suicidal thoughts can also be a consequence of body shaming.
It is important that schools actively take action against body shaming. A study by the Bertelsmann Foundation from 2019 shows that so far only a few schools have taken specific measures against body shaming. According to the study, only one in four schools has introduced specific prevention measures against body shaming. Experts therefore call for greater awareness-raising and education on the topic of body shaming in schools, as well as targeted measures to support affected learners.
Our project on body shaming in schools aims to create awareness for body positivity and a healthy body image among young people. Through targeted reflection in our workshops, we want to contribute to ensuring that body shaming no longer has a chance in schools.
Our aim is to help learners develop a positive relationship with their bodies and not be influenced by unrealistic ideals of beauty. We want to create a school community where all bodies and body shapes are accepted and respected, regardless of gender, skin colour or origin. With our project, we want to contribute to making body shaming at schools a thing of the past.
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If you would like to know more about our offer, please contact us. We will help you to effectively counteract body shaming at your school.
