Building Body Confident Kids

Changing how we talk about bodies, self-worth, and mental health to create compassionate, body-positive environments for Alaska’s youth.

Every child deserves to grow up feeling confident in their body, safe in their community, and free from harmful messages about weight, size, or appearance. Alaska’s kids face unrealistic beauty standards and appearance-based pressures starting at an alarmingly young age. Poor body image is a critical public health issue, strongly linked to disordered eating, depression, anxiety, bullying, and low self-esteem – all of which can impact our mental, physical, and emotional well-being from childhood on into adulthood.

ALARMING STATISTICS

Struggles with body image distress is reported by 77% of adolescents. These pressures are amplified by social

media and are major risk factors for the development of eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm,

suicidality, substance use, and unsafe sexual behaviors.

Alaska's 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed that 43% of teens reported feeling sad and hopeless,

and nearly 30% engaged in eating disorder behaviors – with the highest rates among Black, Hispanic,

Alaska Native, and multiracial youth groups that are likely undiagnosed for these mental health issues.

50% of 5–12 year olds want to be thinner.
1 in 4 children has engaged in dieting behavior by the time they reach 7 years old.
Body dissatisfaction is the leading risk factor for the development of eating disorders.
Children who are teased about their bodies are more likely to develop disordered eating and depression – regardless of their actual weight.
Youth of all genders, races, and body sizes are affected – and marginalized kids often experience higher rates of appearance-based bullying and stigma.

Source: Common Sense Media, Dove Global Self-Esteem Project, NEDA

EDUCATION TRAINING IS PREVENTION

With seed program investment by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority in 2025, AKEDA launched Building Body Confident Kids. This program promotes body confidence to reduce risks for eating disorders (EDs) and other mental health issues. Using research and evidence from global partners’ studies in trainings, we work with educators, parents, and other community members statewide to become champions who foster body confidence in the kids they care for.

We provide age-appropriate body image and media literacy resources for schools, with culturally responsive approaches. Adults in youth settings become equipped with the skills to break down harmful beauty myths and replace them with practical, confidence-building strategies so kids can…

Learn to accept and respect their bodies, and reject harmful appearance ideals.
Develop positive self-beliefs, including self-efficacy, self-compassion, and resilience.
Become more attuned to their needs, and foster adaptive eating habits, movement, and self-care.
Experience increased body appreciation, which correlates with improved self-esteem, flourishing happiness, and mental health.

Building Body Confident Kids empowers Alaska’s next generation because they can:

Describe the psychological, emotional, and social factors that influence body image and contribute to the development of eating disorders.

Recognize early warning signs of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, and understand their impact on academic performance, self-esteem, and peer relationships.

Implement practical, trauma-informed strategies to foster body-positive, inclusive environments that promote healthy relationships with food and body.

Demonstrate the ability to engage in open, compassionate conversations around body image and collaborate with families and mental health professionals to support long-term student well-being.

LET'S CONNECT

Interested in Building Body Confidence Kids? Fill out this form to connect and learn more about our prevention training program!

AKEDA'S IMPACT

Since our founding in 2019, the Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance has been dedicated to supporting Alaskans impacted by eating disorders. Each year, we expand our reach through strengthened partnerships, increased outreach, and enhanced programming, working to provide more access, education, and support to those in need. Our ongoing efforts aim to create a stronger, more informed community where individuals can find the resources and understanding necessary for healing.

PROGRAM SPONSORS