Australia’s Federal Minister for Early Childhood and Youth, Mr Peter Garrett today announced Australian Government sponsorship of a new program that will award organisations that foster positive body image amongst youth.

It has invited award nominations for organisations that promote positive body image with the introduction of the 2012 Positive Body Image Awards to be held later this year.

A spokesperson for the government said that, young people are under increasing pressure to conform to a particular appearance. In particular, “the advertising, entertainment and fashion industries play a major part in influencing the way young people think and feel about themselves”.

“The Government has endorsed and released a Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image, which outlines principles and goals to guide industries to adopt more body image friendly practices.  Those organisations that have adopted the principles outlined in the code and provide incentive for others to follow their lead will now be recognised through the Positive Body Image Awards,” Mr Garrett said.

The awards will be focused on young people aged 12-25 and there will be two categories for entry:

–          Recognition of organisations demonstrating a real and ongoing commitment to body image friendly practices within their business; and 

–          Recognition of specific body image friendly initiatives or products, this could include a campaign to increase young people’s awareness about digital retouching, a magazine edition or a special body image event.

Young people will also be encouraged to identify organisations they believe are promoting positive body image through the use of social media sites and the body image website.

Award winners will be able to use the Body Image Award Winner symbol enhancing their profile with consumers through their continued support of positive body image initiatives.

Nominations are open until 23 March 2012 and finalists will be announced in May 2012. 

For all information on the awards, including eligibility and assessment criteria, go to www.youth.gov.au/bodyimageawards.

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