An Eating Disorders Resource for Schools

This 92-page manual was developed as part of the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria and the Victorian Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED) education strategy. The information in this booklet was developed through consultation with:

� Scientific literature
� Schools staff
� Students with an eating disorder
� Parents, families and carers of students with an eating disorder
� Professionals working in the area of eating disorder prevention and intervention; and
� Researchers and health promoters in the area of eating disorders and adolescent wellbeing.

Teachers and schools are ideally positioned in the identification, support and prevention of eating disorders in young people. This booklet outlines a number of scenarios and suggested strategies for teachers both in preventing eating disorders and poor body image in their students, as well as information and strategies where intervention may be required. The resource allows school staff from a variety of disciplines to implement practical programs and reduce risk factors relevant to the prevention of eating disorders within their school communities.

Information is divided into the following chapters:
� Current information on eating disorders
� Prevention
� Early intervention
� Intervention
� Restoring wellbeing; and
� Additional resources.

While it is recognised that prevention and intervention of eating disorders is also relevant for primary schools, this document focuses on students at a secondary level. Many of the concepts and strategies may be relevant to primary settings; therefore this resource will be of benefit to schools staff at all levels of education.