A new wellbeing programme designed to address the rising body image and eating disorder concerns in Irish secondary schools has been launched by Bodywhys.

A survey from the charity found that 45% of teachers are aware of students in their classes who are experiencing an eating disorder.

Dr Fiona Flynn, who developed the programme, said that it is designed to be “very practical”.

“It’s been co-designed in collaboration with teachers and also young people and key mental health stakeholders,” she told Newstalk Breakfast.

“It’s designed specifically to address body image concerns and to promote awareness of eating disorders and the supports available.

“But also done in a way that is really relevant and engaging for young people, so it includes worksheets and then very practical teachers guides.

“So, really we’ve listened acutely to what teachers have to say about what they will use and what will be effective for them in the classroom setting.”

Teenage students learning in classroom

Dr Flynn said each of the worksheets also has a corresponding page with additional information for students online.

“In all, there are eight worksheets and there are eight new pages to support students in all aspects of improving their body image and also their well-being,” she said.

“So, addressing things like improving social media literacy, addressing things like promoting self-compassion, enabling students to recognise when they’re being hard on themselves and how to support themselves with kindness.

“It’s very, very practical and really what we’re hearing from teachers, and what we know from the research as well, is that the age of onset for eating disorders is getting younger."

'It's really dreadful that we need that'

According to Dr Flynn, the programme is designed for Junior Cycle students.

She said teachers would be encouraged not to use the programme until after the first semester of first year, to ensure the students are familiar with each other first.

“I would advise ideally to use [it] with second years at any time, third years – it's also suitable for older year groups,” she said.

“I suppose because there is group discussion, the students themselves will discuss what’s pertinent for them.

“That’s really valuable.”

Dr Flynn said there is also a primary school programme which does not directly address eating disorders but does promote “positive body image”.

“It’s really dreadful that we need that,” she said.

“But unfortunately these issues are increasingly a problem with preteens so it’s really, really vital that we get this programme out there.”

Main image: Primary school girls are taught during a lesson by a male teacher