The Embrace Collective, led by 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, and renowned body image expert Dr. Zali Yager, has received a generous funding of $6.2 million from the Albanese Government for their Embrace Kids program. This program aims to empower children in tackling body image issues, enabling them to lead happier and healthier lives, both presently and in the future.
In Australia, body image has emerged as a significant concern, particularly among young individuals. Disturbingly, the number of young Australians aged 16 to 25 experiencing Body Image Distress has risen by 33 percent since 2009. Alarming statistics from 2015 revealed that 77 percent of adolescents self-reported body image distress. These distressing figures highlight the urgent need for intervention.
The detrimental impact of harmful body image messages pervades the young minds of Australia. Social media, advertising, peer influence, and even the role models in their lives contribute to this pervasive issue. If unaddressed, prolonged exposure to such harmful messages can lead to negative body image, which in turn contributes to the development of eating disorders, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and increased suicidal thoughts. Immediate action is necessary to combat these alarming consequences.
The Embrace Kids program, spearheaded by Taryn Brumfitt and Dr. Zali Yager, represents a national initiative dedicated to combating these challenges. Taryn Brumfitt, who serves as the director of the documentaries Embrace and Embrace Kids, holds the position of Executive Director of The Embrace Collective, alongside Dr. Yager, who is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University. Through a comprehensive program of educational activities and events conducted in schools, sports clubs, and the wider community, Embrace Kids equips children with the necessary tools to counteract negative body image messages and fulfill their potential.
The Albanese Government has demonstrated a firm commitment to enhancing the evidence base for eating disorder care by investing in evidence-based programs like Embrace Kids. As part of this funding, The Embrace Collective will conduct an independent evaluation of the Embrace Kids Australia Program, ensuring its effectiveness and impact.
Prime Minister, in response to the initiative, acknowledged the pervasive influence of body image expectations on children and teenagers. He emphasized the importance of teaching kids to appreciate and celebrate their bodies, thereby countering the negative and harmful body image messages prevalent in society.
“Any parent with young children or teenagers knows just how much their kids are bombarded with images and expectations of bodies and the way that can impact how their child feels about themselves.
“Teaching kids to celebrate how amazing their bodies are is a powerful way to dispel some of the negative, harmful body image messages out there.”
Taryn Brumfitt, the Australian of the Year, expressed her enthusiasm for the funding announcement, recognizing the immense benefits it would bring to young Australians nationwide. She highlighted the distressing problem that young people face, which negatively affects their physical health and mental well-being.
“77% of adolescents are in body image distress, rates of eating disorders, self-harm, steroid use related to body dissatisfaction are on the rise.”
“We also know that adolescents with a poor body image are 24 times more likely to have and develop depression.”
“I’m so proud of the work we do at The Embrace Collective and now it’s our job to ensure this investment makes a difference to as many lives as we can.”
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Photo Courtesy Glam Adelaide
Courtesy Prime Minister of Australia