This week, FIREFLY partnered with seven local agencies and both St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Beaver Brae Intermediate to recognize Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Throughout the week, students participated in activities and events to raise awareness about eating disorders.

Did you know? According to the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, a recent survey of students in Grades 7-12 from Ontario and B.C. found that:

• Over half of students were worried about their weight.
• More than one-third felt out of control around food.
• Nearly half (49%) reported skipping meals to lose weight.

Understanding this, and knowing that self-love often begins at home, can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve gathered resources for parents and caregivers to support their child through this challenging time.

Helpful Tip Sheets & Kits

🔗The Confidence Kit

• Created by Dove’s Self-Esteem Project, this guide helps parents and caregivers support young people in building body confidence. It includes practical advice, activities, and discussions on topics like social media, bullying, body image, and self-acceptance.

🔗Body Image Fact Sheet – National Eating Disorders Collaboration

• This fact sheet explains body image, its four key aspects, the effects of body dissatisfaction, risk factors, media influence, and strategies to support a positive body image.

🔗Embody Healthy Eating – Family Services North Shore

• This guide offers strategies for parents to help children develop a positive body image and healthy eating habits. It focuses on balanced attitudes toward food, avoiding pressure related to weight, and trusting natural hunger and fullness cues.

Helpful Websites

• National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
• Body Peace Canada
• Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA)
• Body Brave
• Danielle’s Place
• Kelty Eating Disorders
• Embody – Kindness for Every Body
• Looking Glass Foundation
• National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED)
• FEAST

Thank you to our community partners who helped make this week possible: Canadian Mental Health Association – Kenora Branch, Kenora Chiefs Advisory – Ogimaawabiitong, Kenora Youth Wellness Hub, Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Northwestern Health Unit, Sunset Country Family Health Team, and Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig.