Majority of teachers 'are observing body image concerns among students'
Secondary school teachers are widely worried about their pupils' body image concerns, according to a new industry survey.
The National Union of Teachers surveyed 492 secondary school teachers' views on their pupils' confidence in their body image, finding that 98 per cent said that some or more of their students are affected by worries about how they look, including 38 per cent who said that "nearly all" of their students are affected.
Moreover, 98 per cent of teachers said some or more of their students are affected by a societal pressure to look a certain way, while 97 per cent believe that pupils are affected by sexist or stereotypical comments. Additionally, 64 per cent of teachers believe that girls are affected more strongly by body image issues than boys.
According to the report, these self-esteem problems are having a number of serious repercussions, with 82 per cent of teachers reporting that some or more of their pupils are opting out of physical activities such as swimming, while 93 per cent said at least some of their students are affected by eating disorders.
Pointing to negative influences from the media as a potential cause of these problems, the respondents called for changes to education policy to help tackle them, including a broader curriculum and a new focus on personal, social and health education.
Kevin Courtney, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "Teachers identified that young people are looking to a narrow range of celebrities as role models. This snapshot survey identifies the work we need to do to help young people recognise that we come in all shapes, sizes and ages, and to break down the stereotypes about appearances which flow from sexism and racism."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£92.63 - 92.63 per day
Location free text
Newport
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Newport
Description
⚽ Sports & Engagement Mentor – Secondary School Location: Newport, South Wales Pay Rate: £92.63 Daily rate Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm Contract: September Start – End of Academic Year (Immediate start for
Reference
UK2905SAEM
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport Primary & SENAuthor
Newport Primary & SENSalary
£92.63 - 92.63 per day
Location free text
Newport
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Newport
Description
Start the New Academic Year as a Student Engagement Mentor! Location: Newport, South Wales Pay Rate: £92.63 Daily rate Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm Contract: September Start – End of Academic Year (Immedia
Reference
UK2905SEM
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport Primary & SENAuthor
Newport Primary & SENSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Bridport
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Dorset
Description
1:1 Tutor – English, Maths, PrimaryTP Tutors are seeking compassionate, adaptable, and enthusiastic tutors to deliver 1:1 tuition in core subjects (English, Maths, Primary) to pupils in the Dorset are
Reference
Indeed - Bridport
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£30k - 40k per year
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
£300 - £399 per day
Sector
English
Location
Northampton
Description
Secondary SEN Teacher - Permanent Role Location: Northampton Contract: Permanent | Full-Time Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm Salary: Competitive, DOE Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence & Own Vehicle Essenti
Reference
Northampton-SEND T
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£30k - 40k per year
Location free text
Thrapston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
£300 - £399 per day
Sector
English
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Secondary SEN Teacher - Permanent Role Location: Thrapston Contract: Permanent | Full-Time Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm Salary: Competitive, DOE Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence & Own Vehicle Essential
Reference
Thrapston-SEND T
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£30k - 42k per year
Location free text
Thrapston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
£300 - £399 per day
Sector
Secondary
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Deputy Head of School - Permanent Role Location: Thrapston Salary: Competitive | DOE Contract: Permanent | Full-Time Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence & Own Vehicle Essentia
Reference
DHOS-Thrapston
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Kettering
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor – Kettering We are currently looking for experienced and dedicated 1:1 Tutors to support pupils across the Kettering area. Tuition sessions will take place either in pupils’ homes or within
Reference
S318/Kettering
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northampton
Description
1:1 Tutor – Northampton We are currently recruiting passionate and experienced 1:1 Tutors to support pupils across the Northampton area. Tuition sessions will take place either in pupils’ homes or wi
Reference
S317/Northampton
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Peterborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Peterborough
Description
1:1 Tutor – Peterborough We are currently seeking dedicated and passionate 1:1 Tutors to provide tailored educational support to pupils in Peterborough. Sessions will take place either in the pupil’s
Reference
S316/Peterborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£32,916 - 51,047 per year
Location free text
Bolton
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£50,000 - £59,999
Sector
Geography
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Geography Teacher – Full-Time | Bolton Area | September 2026 Start Salary: M1 – UPS1 (in line with the teaching scale) Contract: Full-time, long-term Key Stages: KS3 & GCSE (Ages 11–16)We are curren
Reference
geog 29/5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester West SecondaryAuthor
Manchester West SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years. The impact we have on our schools and educat
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Gemma joined the Future Teachers Programme shortly after graduating. Now in a permanent teaching position, she reflects on how the programme shaped her classroom experience and supp
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Discover Ben Whittle’s role and find out about his impact within the Future Teachers Programme Read more How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job