headspace joins warning over To the Bone film

The National Youth Mental Health Foundation has joined other Australian mental health organisations in voicing its concerns around the films portrayal of anorexia nervosa.

The film focuses on the story of a young woman’s experience with the eating disorder. While the complete film is yet to be shown in Australia, the trailer depicts some confronting images of her experience with the illness.

Some of the images have appeared on so called “thinspiration” websites, which glamorise eating disorders.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said research showed that graphic imagery of people with eating disorders can be a potential trigger for at-risk, young people.

“The concern is about portrayal of behaviours associated with an eating disorder – and whether this may be providing a ‘how to’ guide for adolescents who may be at risk,

Jason Trethowan - headspace CEO

Mr Trethowan said the creators of the movie – and those prompted by the film to discuss the issues – must be careful about that they framing the conversation in a way that is safe for young people.

“We don’t want any representation or discussion in the media, on TV, or anywhere else, that has the potential to place young people at risk,” he said.

According to headspace clinicians adolescence is a time of increased risk for the development of an eating disorder.

headspace Head of Clinical Practice, Vikki Ryall said eating disorders are a serious mental illness with long-term physical and psychological impacts.

“They can have a significant impact on the family and friends of a person experiencing an eating disorder, as well as on the person themselves,” she said.

Ms Ryall said any broadcast or written material dealing with eating disorders should refrain from showing strategies or tactics around living with an eating disorder. 

“We need to be having the right conversation about the problem, and we need to be able to show parents, schools and young people where they can look to make this happen.”

headspace recommends the following websites for information about eating disorders:

• For free downloadable resources for parents please visit the National Eating Disorders Website
• For free information and resources, including factsheets, please visit the Butterfly Foundation for Eating Disorders website; and for resources developed for To The Bone please click here; you can also reach the national helpline at 1800 33 4673
• If you or a young person you know may need help or information please visit the Eating Disorders Info website

If you are a young person worried about an eating disorder click here

If you have a young person experiencing an eating disorder, or want to find out more information click here