Anti-bias body image curriculum for high schools

Dear Friend,

Today’s young people spend more than eight hours each day on their phones and computers. They compare their appearance to edited and filtered images of people they see on their social media sites. 75% of adolescents report “body image distress,” feeling dissatisfied with their own appearance. We know from the research that having a negative perception of their own bodies leads to serious mental health consequences such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, risky sexual behavior, substance abuse, and low self-esteem.

BE REAL creates resources to help young people with their body image. We have evidence-based workshops for adults and curricula for youth that are designed to help children develop a healthy relationship to food and their body. 

Here are some notable highlights of BodyKind:

• BE REAL’s BodyKind high school body image curriculum is available to educators nationwide. We train and test teachers on our resources via online video or in-person.
• BodyKind’s 4th publication is out. BodyKind’s fourth academic publication is featured in the Body Image Journal. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) found that BodyKind increased body appreciation immediately post-survey, and improved self-compassion and body satisfaction at a 12-week follow-up. In 2024, we were featured again in Body Image Journal on BodyKind's Irish cultural adaptation. In 2023, we were once again featured in Body Image Journal on BodyKind's pilot in Minneapolis, and in BMC Public Health on BodyKind's RCT protocol. 
• BodyKind Goes Global. Be Real has an official BodyKind Ireland adaptation, which has been tested and implemented in schools. Currently, a Latin American version is in development in collaboration with academic partners from Mexico and Costa Rica. One co-design workshop has been completed, with two more planned for later this year. A full Spanish translation is also underway. In addition, Be Real is preparing for a Chinese adaptation with partners in China, as well as a separate adaptation for Spain. As we continue to receive inquiries from around the world, we are working to establish a clear and consistent process for translating and adapting BodyKind into multiple languages.
• College BodyKind is spreading to colleges all across the country. BE REAL hosted a highly anticipated live training session earlier this year. Members from across the country tuned in for the event. Our peer-led body image seminar has trained students at universities such as Washington University, Northwestern University, and the University of Toronto, among others.

Thank you for your past support at GlobalGiving. We could use your help now more than ever to develop and expand the reach of BodyKind!

Confidently yours,

Denise Hamburger

Executive Director of BE REAL

Dear Friend,

Today’s young people spend more than eight hours each day on their phones and computers. They compare their appearance to edited and filtered images of people they see on their social media sites. 77% of adolescents report “body image distress,” feeling dissatisfied with their own appearance. We know from the research that having a negative perception of their own bodies leads to serious mental health consequences such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, risky sexual behavior, substance abuse, and low self-esteem.

BE REAL creates resources to help young people with their body image. We have evidence-based workshops for adults and curricula for youth that are designed to help children develop a healthy relationship to food and their body. 

Here are some notable highlights of BodyKind:

• BE REAL’s BodyKind high school body image curriculum is now available to educators nationwide. We train and test teachers on our resources via online video or in-person.Through 2024, we’ve trained over 300 teachers, reaching more than 30,000 high school students who will receive BE REAL’s BodyKind lessons.
• BodyKind, has been proven effective in improving body image through a Randomized Control Trial (RCT). The study, which involved 1,150 students in Ireland, found that BodyKind led to significant increases in body appreciation. These results make BodyKind the first curriculum to achieve such outcomes, offering a promising solution to body image challenges.
• BodyKind has been published 3 times. In 2023, we featured in Body Image Journal on BodyKind's pilot in Minneapolis, and in BMC Public Health on BodyKind's RCT protocol. In 2024, we were featured again in Body Image Journal on BodyKind's Irish cultural adaptation. Our fourth paper, focusing on the RCT protocol, is scheduled for publication in Spring 2025.
• BodyKind Goes Global. Be Real is adapting BodyKind for various countries by tailoring language, images, and stories to reflect local research and experiences. We collaborate with each country to address specific research and cultural issues. Currently, we are developing a Latin American version of BodyKind with academic partners from Mexico and Costa Rica, and preparing for a Chinese adaptation with partners from China. We've also received inquiries about adaptations from Canada, Germany, Israel, and Chile.
• College BodyKind is gaining momentum. Our peer-led body image seminar has trained over 50 college students at universities such as Washington University, Northwestern University, and the University of Toronto, among others. Our quarterly meetings are also growing in popularity.

Thank you for your past support at GlobalGiving.  We could use your help now more than ever to develop and expand the reach of BodyKind!

Confidently yours,

Denise Hamburger

Executive Director of BE REAL