17th June 2003
PARENTS NEED TO BE AWARE OF EATING DISORDERS
Parents should be aware of the potential of children's eating disorders and be there to offer help if the need occurs, a charity has urged.
A report published by the charity ChildLine looks at the issue of eating disorders and the underlying factors behind the problem, after growing concern about the numbers of young children affected by disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Figures suggest that about 1,000 calls a year are made to the charity purely because of concerns about eating disorders, with most youngsters choosing to talk to their friends before approaching an adult for help.
Amongst the problems likely to fuel eating disorders are bullying, school pressures and bereavement. Calls to ChildLine worryingly indicated that the biggest problem was due to tension within the family.
Carole Easton, chief executive of ChildLine, said, "Although there is no single solution to the tortuous situation an eating disorder can provoke, families and friends are the best allies a young person has. The most effective remedy is when everyone - friends, family, school, professionals and counsellors - works together to ensure there is always someone to turn to."
Although in the past eating disorders have mainly affected adolescents, there's now increasing concern for younger children too. In part this could be due to the pressure of having a 'perfect' body image and the increase in dieting.
Where to next?- Have your children had eating problems? Share your thoughts in the Your Shout forum
- Check out our guide to food and feeding
- Chat on the Feeding discussion forum
- Learn how to cope with a fussy eater
- Visit the National Centre for Eating Disorders website
- Visit the ChildLine website