Information for educators and support staff

When you are concerned about someone with an eating issue:

• Keep the focus on some of the ways eating difficulties affect people’s lives e.g., social isolation, guilt, mood swings, secrecy, preoccupations with food and weight.
• Avoid oversimplifying the situation e.g., saying “just eat normally”.
• Treat all eating difficulties seriously.
• Be compassionate. Eating difficulties impact on people from all walks of life.
• Don’t give advice about weight loss, eating, exercise or appearance.
• Be sensitive in the ways you approach someone with your concerns
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Recognise that it is not your job to diagnose or treat the student. Seek specialised support and referral where appropriate.
• Name your concerns to the student, about specific behaviours and their health, rather than using eating disorder labelling e.g., “I’m concerned that you are no longer eating lunch with your friends”
• Communicate to the student that you take the issue seriously and support them in doing so as well.
• If you have serious concerns about the student’s health (e.g., noticing rapid weight loss) follow the school’s policy on referring and supporting students
• Initially involve the student as much as possible in decisions about the best course of action
• If you need to tell a third party about your concerns keep the student fully informed
• If possible, leave the door open for further conversations with the student

If you would like more information on EDEN’s school based services please contact us.