New Netflix feature film To The Bone premieres today amid concern it glamorises anorexia nervosa.

At Centacare, we are mindful this may act as a trigger for vulnerable young people living with, or at risk of, an eating disorder.

However, we acknowledge it also may reduce stigma and raise awareness of eating disorders, and the importance of seeking help.

Our friends at headspace and the Butterfly Foundation have issued some useful resources to support people who may find the film’s content distressing, and for parents who are concerned about their children.

Centacare’s PACE service is also here to help.

Through our peer workers who have a lived experience of eating disorders, we offer one-on-one, group and referral support.

PACE Manager Nigel Wyatt is encouraging parents to engage in conversation with young people around the film which follows the journey of a 20-year-old woman living with anorexia.

To The Bone is based on writer and director Marti Noxon’s personal struggle with eating disorders.

Noxon has said she hopes the film will start conversation around an issue that is too often clouded by secrecy and misconception.

“One way or another, it is going to bring to the forefront of people’s thinking a significant and very dangerous issue,’’ PACE Manager Nigel Wyatt said.

“We hope it will help to reduce stigma and promote an attitude of seeking help but are mindful people living with an eating disorder may struggle to view the content objectively.

“Eating disorders are quite often incredibly competitive illnesses and comparison to others can be a problem.

“We encourage people and families living with some of the complexities raised in the film to seek support.’’

For more information about the services we offer to support people living with an eating disorder, please phone our PACE team on 8159 1400.

The negative impact of today’s teen selfie culture will be explored in a new program aimed at secondary school girls.

The Be BOLD – Break the Mould program is being launched in the northern suburbs tomorrow, with a focus on promoting positive body image and building self-esteem and resilience.

Presented by Centacare’s PACE team, the program will address the unrealistic standards of beauty portrayed in social media, and the pressure this places on young people.

“Research has shown a positive correlation between social media use and mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts,’’ PACE team leader Shane Strikwerda said.

“It is normal for teenagers to seek validation about their appearance, and social media feeds this need by providing instant feedback from many sources.

“Unfortunately many of the comments posted on social media are negative, and this can contribute to poor self-esteem, anxiety and eating disorders.

“Many schools are concerned about the impact of poor body image on their students, and this program will give them the opportunity to address the issue in a fun, interactive way.’’

Delivered over three 90-minute workshops, the Be BOLD – Break the Mould program will teach students how to:

·       recognise the unrealistic standards of beauty portrayed in the media

·       avoid unhelpful comparisons with others

·       accept themselves and embrace their uniqueness

·       develop a positive body image

·       gain confidence and self-belief

The program is free and available to schools across metropolitan Adelaide.

Centacare’s PACE team supports young people and adults who are struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive compulsive behaviour.

If you would like the free workshops offered at your school, please phone 1800 809 304 or email pace@centacare.org.au