Chico Unified School District

Body Image And Body Shaming

California Department of Education, in collaboration with Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) Youth Advisory and All Children Thrive-CA, have defined body shaming as:

"The mocking, stigmatizing, or commenting on a person’s body or appearance, which is perceived as negative, whether it is someone else’s or one’s own, regardless of the intent. It includes opinions, comparisons, observations, or gestures that result in emotional or mental harm, and demeans, judges, or marginalizes an individual based on their body or physical appearance. It may occur verbally, nonverbally, or online on social media and other digital platforms, and can escalate into social aggression, bullying, sexual violence and harassment, and cyberbullying."

Body shaming often overlaps with, but is distinct from, bullying and sexual harassment. Bullying is unwanted, harmful behavior that involves a real or perceived Draft 3-2/2026-JS power imbalance. This behavior is typically repeated over time. While bullying consists of a power imbalance and repeated behavior, body shaming can occur in isolated incidents and without intent to harm, yet it can still cause significant harm. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. This includes making comments about someone’s body, appearance, clothing, or perceived sexual behavior.

How Does Chico Unified School District Help Educate students about body shaming?

Chico Unified School District will:

Integrate and implement prevention efforts that promote a culture of belonging, inclusion, healthy relationships, and restorative practices.
Address body shaming across school settings, including physical education, health classes, and dress code, utilizing trauma-informed approaches.
Extend these practices to school-affiliated online activities.
Share clear and confidential reporting mechanisms if body shaming occurs to ensure that accessible support systems are in place.
Incorporate data collection and use findings to refine policies and practices.
Support student-led initiatives that promote body positivity and peer support.
Support family engagement opportunities, such as workshops and resources, to extend body-positive practices into the home.

Body image and shaming resources*

The following resources can help parents/guardians, students and staff better understand how to support positive body image.

Professional Development Resources

*Disclaimer for External Links: These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Chico Unified School District of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Chico Unified School District bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.