Weight-based bullying

Weight-based bullying

The reality is that bullying happens in our schools, in both elementary and secondary. In fact, bullying related to weight is the most common cause for bullying at school and over half of students report being teased or picked on about their weight or shape. 

The pervasiveness of weight-based bullying is in fact so great, that most students will not report their experience as bullying until they are explicitly given examples of what weight-based bullying is. The reason for this is because the negative messages or treatment they receive towards their body is so normalized in our society, that they don’t think of it as bullying. This normalization does not diminish the impact of weight-based bullying.

Examples of weight-based bullying can look like but are not limited to: 

• Calling a person names based on their body size 
• Excluding classmates from group work or play because of their body size or shape
• Spreading a fear among the school population that being in a larger body is ‘bad’ or ‘unhealthy’ 
• Making comments (even if well intended) about another person’s weight, food choices, or physical abilities

If you reflect on our societal standards and the diet culture we have fostered, it is not surprising that students and adults alike make negative comments to others about their bodies. We are led to believe that thinness is the ultimate standard of beauty, health, and success. This has shaped our thoughts and actions around weight and bodies. You can reflect further on this by reading our weight bias article.

It is important to intervene as quickly as possible when weight-based bullying happens at school. 

While all forms of bullying should be taken seriously, weight-related incidents require extra attention due to their frequency and social acceptability. It’s essential that students feel safe reporting these incidents and adults also have a responsibility to recognize and address them when they occur. School staff need to respond consistently and promptly to prevent harm and create a safer school climate. Weight-based bullying leaves a lasting impact on individuals and makes them more vulnerable to substance misuse, low self-esteem, social isolation, and poor academic outcomes.

The best way to prevent weight-based bullying from taking place at school is by fostering a culture that is welcoming of all bodies. See our Guiding Principles, Body Inclusivity topic page, and Weight Practical Guides for further information.