New Body Bright Research Study
Help Shape the Future of Body Image Programs in Schools
We’re inviting Victorian primary schools to take part in an exciting research study evaluating Butterfly Body Bright—Australia’s first primary school program that offers resources for a whole school approach to promoting positive body image and healthy attitudes and behavious toward eating, physical activity, and appearance.
The study is led by Dr Hannah Jarman at Deakin University in partnership with the Butterfly Foundation. This project is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF: ID 2035802) and approved by the Deakin University Human Ethics Committee (Reference: 2024/HE000745).
Why this matters
Body image concerns can begin in primary school and affect student wellbeing, confidence, and participation. The Body Bright pilot evaluation found promising results:
Improved body image and confidence to deal with teasing in students
85% of teachers said their students found the lessons engaging
Now, we want to understand how the program works in real-world school settings, what helps or hinders implementation, and how to better support schools.
What’s involved?
Participating schools will be placed in either an early-access (i.e., intervention) or delayed-access (i.e., control) group as part of the research study. However, both will receive the full program access at no cost.
Participation may include:
Teachers – Free PD online training, deliver lessons, & complete three short surveys (~15 min each);
Year 5 & 6 students – Three short, in-class surveys (~25 min each; with parent/guardian consent)
Parents/Guardians – Three online short surveys (~10 min each; facilitated by the research team - not your school)
Workshops – For early-access schools only: two 1-hour workshops (one in-person, one online) to share insights, with financial reimbursement to your school for each staff member in attendance.
Here is a visual of the research process:
Why get involved?
Receive 12 months of free access to Butterfly Body Bright (usually valued at $375)
Support student wellbeing and teacher professional learning through online teacher training, HPE curriculum-aligned lessons that use evidence-based strategies to support students, family resources, and school culture guidelines
Help shape the future of body image programs in Australian primary schools
Have your school’s voice heard by key stakeholders (e.g., Department of Education)
Find out more or Get involved
We’re now welcoming Victorian schools to join the research study starting in Term 1 and Term 2, 2026. Whether you’re a principal, teacher, or interested parent/guardian, you can learn more or register your school.
For general enquiries about the research, please contact the research project lead, Dr. Hannah Jarman at h.jarman@deakin.edu.au or call on +61392446430. We would be happy to arrange a chat or possibly visit to your school to discuss further.
For enquiries about the Body Bright program, contact the Body Bright team here.
Further questions about Butterfly Body Bright?
We’re here to help!
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