Just big school nerves – or could it be more? The link between school transition and disordered eating
In collaboration with South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA)
We all remember our first day at secondary school – it’s a huge milestone that sticks with us forever. For some it is an exciting experience, full of growth and opportunity, but for others it's a scary period marked by uncertainty and vulnerability. And sometimes it can bring with it negative consequences around body image.
It’s a time when young people are not only navigating social and academic changes but also experiencing the physical and emotional upheaval of puberty. Some young people do look forward to secondary school and thrive. But not everyone — especially those who may already be struggling. And even for those that are optimistic, things can change.
Research from ImpactEd found that 1 in 4 pupils disengage from school in Year 7, with a significant drop-off in student happiness during the transition phase. It also revealed that girls are more likely to feel unsafe or worried at school than boys, and there is a disparity between pupils eligible for free school meals and those who aren't.
A perfect storm
Concerns are usually around friendships, bullying and not fitting in – all of which can be linked to body image. We know that over half of young people are not happy with the way they look (BeReal Somebody Like Me survey, 2018) and around 55% of children and young people report being bullied about their appearance (YMCA, 2018).
Add in puberty and social media and this can be a perfect storm leading to serious body image issues. South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA) has found that the transition from primary to secondary school is often key in the development or escalation of eating disorders. Especially for neurodivergent students, who may find changes in routine and environment difficult.
In fact, when talking to parents of school-aged children, SYEDA found 71% of restrictive eating disorder cases were identified between Years 7 and 9. The charity provides non-judgemental support to young people whose relationship with food and their bodies dominates their lives, sometimes with devastating effects.
“While there isn’t one direct cause for eating disorders, we know that low self-esteem can make an individual more vulnerable to poor mental health,” says Joanne Bacon from SYEDA. “SYEDA believes that through promoting awareness around eating disorders and empowering young people through education, those who find themselves vulnerable will be more resilient and better equipped to seek help sooner.”
Spotting the signs
SYEDA stresses that early intervention is key – treatment is more effective when eating disorders are caught within the first three years, especially during adolescence. This is of course not always easy when the individual doesn’t feel they need help or if you don’t know the signs.
For parents and teachers, noticing changes in behaviour or attitudes is vital, as these can be an indication of something more complicated. Aside from specific food-related signs, SYEDA has seen these varied symptoms related to disordered eating:
social withdrawal
increased anxiety
rigidity and perfectionism
irritability around mealtimes
low mood
slowed thinking and a decrease in ability to concentrate.
If you have concerns about a young person, it is important to encourage them to seek help. But it can be difficult for both you and them to talk openly. SYEDA offers this advice:
Make sure you’re ready for a conversation that may not go the way you’d hoped.
Use ‘I’ rather than ‘you’ statements – for example “I feel worried you don’t seem happy”.
Focus on behavioural changes rather than appearance or food consumption.
Encourage them to seek help – a GP is a good first port of call.
Reassure them you are there to help and they are not alone.
Building Resilience
It is vital we empower young children with resilience, knowledge and self-confidence to help them through this tricky transition period and try to prevent the development of disordered eating. But also equip them with the skills to ask for help when they feel like they are struggling.
SYEDA is working with the Body Happy Org to do just. Schools across South Yorkshire can get FREE access to the Body Happy Schools digital workshop — an engaging, age-appropriate session designed specifically for Years 5 and 6.
It explores key themes including:
what body respect is and why it matters
how media messages shape how we feel
kind self-talk and celebrating our bodies
being an ally and champion for others.
You can access this free SYEDA x BHO offer below. Let’s work together to help make the transition to secondary school a smooth one by building a culture of resilience and body respect.
