Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
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Mentally Healthy Communities
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- Health and PE
Target audience
- Primary school
- Secondary school
Target groups
- Whole class
Aims
The Embrace Kids Classroom Program (EKCP) aims to improve young people’s body image and wellbeing through building safe and inclusive peer and classroom environments that celebrate diversity, encourage individual resilience against body image pressures, increase appreciation of body functionality and promote self-compassion.Program theory
EKCP draws on two approaches to help improve body image: Increasing appreciation of body functionality and reducing self-objectification; Promoting self-compassion and reducing perfectionism. Consistent with these approaches, evaluation findings from a Flinders University study indicated positive outcomes for the Embrace Kids Classroom Program in primary and secondary students.Topics
Lesson 1: body functionality, diversity and differences; gratitude for body functionality. Lesson 2: social media literacy, influences, and self-compassion. Lesson 3: identity development, gender stereotypes and gender identity. Lesson 4: disability; celebrating diversity; how we can create inclusive communities. Lesson 5: creating change, sharing the Embrace message.Cost
Program structure
The program includes five lessons, 60-minutes in length, and is intended to be modular. Each lesson starts with a video from the Embrace Kids film. Educators are encouraged to determine the number and length of the lessons that fit within their programming, and align with their school’s values, and students' needs. The program materials include introductory information, lesson plans, curriculum alignment, and FAQ’s, and links videos, slides, and worksheets.Instructor
- Educator
Instructor training
Educator training is not required to deliver the program, however, a separate 20-minute Embrace Kids Teacher Masterclass is available on our website to educate teachers about body image in schools.Supporting resources or materials available with program
- Manual
Ongoing support
The program is designed for ease of delivery, however educators can reach out to The Embrace Collective for support if required.Parent involvement
- Written information provided to parents
- Online resources
Origin of program
Australia
The Embrace Collective
Program authors
Dr Zali Yager; Taryn Brumfitt
Ratings
Summary of evidence factors
This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.
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Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people?
The study reported positive outcomes. |
Yes |
|---|---|
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Link between program description and theory of change
Theory of change refers to whether there was a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. |
Comprehensive |
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Study design
Type of study design reported. |
Randomised control trial |
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Independence
The degree to which the program authors were involved in the research. |
Completely |
Summary of implementation factors
This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.
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Feedback sought from participants
Participants enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
|---|---|
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Feedback sought from instructors
Instructors enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
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Groups program is not suitable for
Groups the program wouldn't be suitable for or that required further research to determine suitability. |
Not assessed |
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Training provided during study
The model of training provided. |
Web based |
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Ongoing instructor support provided during study
Whether ongoing support is provided. |
Yes |
Context
This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.
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Study Participants
Pre school, primary school (Foundation to Year 6), secondary school (Years 7 to 12). |
Primary school Secondary school |
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Country of Study/s
The location in which the evidence or research was conducted. |
Australia |
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Location of Study/s in Australia
The state (or states) the program was assessed in Australia. |
SA NSW QLD |
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Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Provider has included culturally and linguistically diverse people when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Provider has included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups
Program has evaluated a diverse socio-economic population in their research. |
No |
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Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery
Shorter sessions for younger students or activities are adjusted for age appropriateness. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference
Provider has included participants with a disability or learning difference when assessing the program. |
Yes |
Last updated: 21 April 2026