Social Media Body Image Teacher Guide Social Media & Body Image
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Year 8 • Tier 1
Lesson Objective
"Explore social media's impact on body image and develop critical thinking skills regarding digital media consumption."
Why This Matters
This lesson helps students understand the impact of social media on body image. Through discussion and activities, students will explore how platforms influence perceptions of self and self-esteem, promoting healthy self-image and critical media literacy.
Timing
40 Minutes
Materials
Digital Mirrors Slides
Filter Facts Worksheet
Screen Stories Scenario Cards
Instructional Sequence
5m
Introduction
Brief introduction to the topic of social media and body image.
Ask students to share initial thoughts on how social media might affect body image.
10m
Discussion
Use the provided discussion questions (see page 2) to facilitate conversation.
Encourage personal experiences and observations.
15m
Group Activity
Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a scenario card (Screen Stories).
Ask them to discuss the scenario and come up with strategies to promote positive body image.
5m
Worksheet Completion
Distribute the "Filter Facts Worksheet" for individual reflection.
5m
Closure
Reconvene for a key takeaway share-out and lesson summary.
Discussion Facilitation Guide
Q1: How do you think social media influences body image?
Facilitation Notes:
Encourage students to think about both positive (fitness communities, body positivity) and negative (editing, highlight reels) influences. Guide them toward the concept of "social comparison."
Q2: Can you share an example of a social media post that affected your perception of body image?
Facilitation Notes:
Create a safe space for reflection. Guide students to describe the specific emotions they felt (e.g., inadequacy, inspiration, envy) and what specifically about the post triggered that feeling.
Q3: What strategies can we use to maintain a positive body image despite social media pressures?
Facilitation Notes:
Focus on actionable items: limiting screen time, unfollowing/muting accounts that make them feel bad, following diverse body types, and practicing self-acceptance exercises.
Teacher Tip
Keep the conversation focused on "impact" rather than "rules." Instead of telling students what not to do, help them build the internal awareness to notice when a post is making them feel a certain way.
Filter Facts Worksheet Filter Facts
Social Media & Body Image Reflection
Student Name
Date
This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on the impact of social media on how you see yourself. Be honest with your thoughts—there are no wrong answers.
1. Positive Influences
List three ways social media can positively influence body image. Think about supportive communities, diverse representation, or positive role models.
01
02
03
2. Negative Influences
List three ways social media can negatively influence body image. Consider unrealistic standards, harmful filters, or negative comments.
01
02
03
3. Taking Control
What is one action you can take to improve your body image while using social media? (e.g., setting boundaries, unfollowing certain accounts, following body-positive creators).
Social Media & Body Image • Year 8
Digital Mirrors Slides Digital Mirrors
Social Media & Body Image
Year 8 Wellbeing
Checking In
When you hear "Social Media" and "Body Image," what's the first thing that comes to mind?
Positive?
Negative?
Somewhere in between?
Discussion Point 01
How does social media influence body image?
Benefits
• Diverse representation
• Supportive communities
• Inspiring role models
Pressures
• Unrealistic filters
• The "Highlight Reel" effect
• Constant comparison
Can you think of a post that changed how you felt about your own body?
(You don't have to share specifics if you don't want to—just think about the feeling it left you with.)
Screen Stories
Group Activity
1
Form a small group.
2
Read the Screen Story card assigned to you.
3
Discuss: How is the person feeling? What advice would you give them?
Teamwork Time
15 Minutes
Protecting Your Feed
Top Tips
• Mute or Unfollow: If it makes you feel "less than," let it go.
• Diversify: Follow accounts with all body types and abilities.
• Reality Check: Remember filters are digital makeup.
Time to Reflect
Complete the Filter Facts Worksheet privately.
What's your one takeaway?
Before we go, think of one thing you learned today that will change how you look at your screen.
Screen Stories Activity Cards Screen Stories
Scenario Discussion Cards for Group Activity
Scenario 01
The Perfectionist
Alex spends over an hour editing every photo before posting. They use apps to smooth their skin, whiten their teeth, and change their body shape. When the post gets hundreds of likes, Alex feels good for a moment, but then feels anxious about people seeing them in real life.
Discuss:
• Why does Alex feel anxious after the likes?
• What advice would you give Alex?
Scenario 02
The Fit-Fluencer
Maya follows several "fitness influencers" who post daily videos of their perfect diets and intense workouts. Maya starts feeling guilty every time she eats a snack or misses a day of exercise. She begins to view her body as a "work in progress" that is never good enough.
Discuss:
• Is "fitness content" always positive? Why or why not?
• How can Maya change her feed to feel better?
Scenario 03
The Comment Section
Sam posted a photo of himself at the beach. Most comments were positive, but one person wrote: "You should hit the gym." Sam can't stop thinking about that one comment and has started wearing baggy hoodies even when it's hot outside.
Discuss:
• Why does one negative comment outweigh many positive ones?
• How can Sam regain his confidence?
Scenario 04
The Body Positivity Boom
Jordan decided to unfollow all accounts that made him feel insecure. Instead, he followed creators who talk about "Body Neutrality"—the idea that your body is just a vessel for your life, not your whole identity. Since then, he's spent less time worrying about his reflection and more time on his hobbies.
Discuss:
• What is the difference between "Body Positivity" and "Body Neutrality"?
• How does Jordan's choice affect his mental health?
