A public service announcement, commonly known as PSA, is a message spread in the interest of the public. The objectives of PSAs are to raise awareness and change public opinions, or even behavior towards an issue. These messages can be instructional, inspirational, or even shocking to elicit emotion and action.
The activities in this lesson plan are designed to help students recognize media’s influence on our body image and expectations, as well as critical warning signs and red flags of an eating disorder. By bringing awareness to this dangerous mental health issue, students will develop the vocabulary to discuss eating disorders and be able to take the necessary steps to get help or to help others.
Have students research eating disorders and create an infographic on statistics and ways to help. Information from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics-research-eating-disorders & https://anad.org/education-and-awareness/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
Storyboard Text
Eating Disorders
0.9% of American woman suffer from anorexia 1.5% of American women suffer from bulimia nervosa 2.8% of American adults suffer from binge eating disorder but men are also susceptible to these EDs
Every 62 minutes someone dies from an eating disorder
30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder, regardless of gender
Eating disorders are classified as mental illnesses and are often used as a coping mechanism
Eating disorders are treatable! Only about 33% of people receive treatment. The first step is to ask for help from a trusted adult or a doctor.