THUNDER BAY -- In a world of photoshopping and supermodels, having kids keep a healthy body image is a challenge.
A school in the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board is tackling the issue, with an event aimed at improving student self-confidence.
The event at Bishop E-Q Jennings School featured speakers from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, police and Children's Centre Thunder Bay.
Guest speakers talked to parents and kids about what body image issues look like, and how to talk to children about the topic.The discussion also touched on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and internet safety.
Parent council chair Rima Cieslik said it’s crucial to teach children “it’s OK to be you because nobody is perfect.”
“Everybody has flaws they need to work on, but the most important part is what’s on the inside,” Cieslik said.
School resource officer Const. Ben Grieve said it’s important to remind children the rules of safety.
“I think you just have to look back to some basic safety rules like what a friend is and what a stranger is,” Grieve said. “Remind them that a stranger on the street or a stranger on the computer…you don’t talk to a stranger whether it’s on a street or on the computer.”
Grieve said Thunder Bay Police are focused on taking part in similar events at schools throughout the Catholic and public school boards.
(TBT News)
