Children and adolescents construct their own beliefs about their physical, mental and sexual safety based on the messaging that adults provide them. Adults as well as other children or adolescents can both intentionally and unintentionally create and transmit representations that make individuals compare, question, doubt or even self hate. Representations can be used for good, but in an increasingly image based or promoted society are we doing enough to balance the odds in the favour of body positivity?

In this workshop, participants will reflect upon and identify concerning representations of body image that they have seen in their work with children and adolescents. The potential impact of these representations will be discussed regarding poor self body image, eating disorders, abusive relationships and misunderstandings associated with future sexual interactions. Case studies of both negative and positive representations of body image will be explored to assess their impact on individuals.

Peta will guide participants through activities and scenarios that will assist them to better understand and appreciate the importance of using safe language and terms when discussing or choosing representations for children and adolescents. Participants of this workshop will take away resources, strategies and some simple new additions to their language and representation toolkit to better communicate safely about body image, confidence and consent. They will also come to identify how they can influence change not only their own communities and working environments, but also as consumers of media content.