Gok campaign to tackle body confidence
TV presenter Gok Wan said he wants UK teenagers to be given lessons in body confidence as he handed over a petition at Downing Street yesterday.
He wants pupils to be taught about normal body shapes and how to have pride in their own figure in a bid to counter the perfect images they see of celebrities and models.
Wan handed over a 45,000 signature petition asking British Education Secretary Ed Balls to include the lessons in the curriculum as part of the Personal, Social and Health Education syllabus.
He was accompanied by 21-year-old Shona Collins who, as part of Wan's Channel 4 show 'How to Look Good Naked', has been investigating body image among British teenagers.
Wan said: "Lack of body confidence has become a national epidemic. Our survey revealed an alarming number of adolescents are struggling with basic body identity.
"Over 70% of teenagers have admitted they have little or no body confidence at all. We have a social and public responsibility to advise and care for the next generation."
The British Department for Children, Schools and Families said that ministers hope to meet Wan soon to discuss ways to improve young people's self image.
