PARENT PACK FOR CHILD BODY CONFIDENCE LAUNCHED TODAY

A guide to help parents educate children about how the media alter images and the impact this can have on self esteem has been backed by Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone today.

The body image parent pack, developed for 6-11-year-olds by not-for-profit organisation Media Smart, marks the latest contribution to the government’s Body Confidence campaign.

The pack encourages children to think about how and why images may have been altered and the effect this can have on their own body image. It also explores how ideas about the ‘perfect’ body have changed through the ages and offers tips for parents on how to talk to their child about the subject.

Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said:

“Young people are being set an impossible standard by images in media and advertising which can erode their self esteem.

“As parents, we are often aware of these issues, but may not have the advice and guidance we need to talk to our children.”

Parents will be able to download materials – which include digitally enhanced pictures of celebrities – to help their children gain more realistic perceptions of the images they see.

Download the pack at www.mediasmart.org.uk