Program receives boost to support young º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Australians
The Embrace Collective, a global leader in eating disorder and body image prevention, will reach more SA children and young people with a funding boost in this year’s state budget.
Over the next four years, $1.5 million has been allocated to support the roll out of the full suite of Embrace programs across SA schools, in addition to health precincts and sporting settings.
Embrace is headed up by 2023 Australian of the Year and º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Australian local Taryn Brumfitt, following her positive body image documentary ‘Embrace’. The documentary was viewed by millions around the world and is in the top five highest grossing documentaries in Australian box office history.
Following the documentary’s success, a second documentary: ‘Embrace Kids’ was released, along with a book, invitations to speak at the White House and a national program for the prevention of body image distress in young people.
Taryn Brumfitt said, the Embrace Kids resources have reached one million Australian children and are now supported by six research studies from Flinders University, demonstrating their effectiveness.
“The findings show significant increases in body appreciation and self-compassion in young people - both critical components of mental health”.
“Every day we hear from people that are using the resources on the ground in ways that are changing children’s lives”.
“Today’s announcement ensures we can continue driving positive change for young people in º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Australia”, said Ms Brumfitt.
The boost will go towards rolling out Embrace programs - helping young people build positive body image, develop resilience, reduce the risk of mental health issues and eating disorders, and increase participation in sport and learning.
Research shows poor body image is a leading predictor of disordered eating, depression, and withdrawal from physical activity and education.
Social media and the COVID-19 pandemic have driven an alarming surge in young people having negative feelings about their physical appearance with:
- 77% of Australian adolescents reporting body image distress
- 33% of adolescent girls meeting the criteria for an eating disorder
- 61% of girls reporting “feeling judged” as a significant barrier to engaging in sport and physical activity.
The program will give children, parents, carers, teachers and coaches the tools to combat body image and body shaming issues before they arise.
